E: 

r: 


BANCROFT    LIBRARY 


THE 

LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON 


Hunter,  Trapper,  Guide,  Indian  Agent, 
and  Colonel  U.  S.  A. 


EDWARD  S^  ELLIS  > 

AUTHOR  OF  "Bov  PIONEER  SERIES,"  "Loo  CABIN  SERIES," 

"DEERFOOT  SERIES,"  "WYOMING  VALLEY 

SERIES,"  ETC.,  ETC. 


CHICAGO 

GEO.   M.   HILL  CO. 

PUBLISHERS 


COPYRIGHT,  1899, 

BY 
THE  AMERICAN  NEWS  COMPANY. 


DF.Y 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Kit  Carson's  Youth — His  Visit  to  New  Mexico — Acts  as  Interpreter  and  in 
Various  Other  Employments — Joins  a  Party  of  Trappers  and  Engages 
in  a  Fight  wilh  Indians — Visits  the  Sacramento  Valley.  .  .  5 

CHAPTER  II. 

California — Sufferings  of  the  Hunters — The  Mission  of  San  Gabriel — The 
Hudson  Bay  Trapper* — ('hami-ten^e-  «>f  ('an>on — He  Leads  the  Party 
Which  Captures  an  Indian  Village  and  Secures  some  Criminals.  .  1 1 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Trapper's  Life — Indian  Horse  Thieves— Carson's  Skilful  Pursuit  and 
Surprise  of  the  Savages — Arrival  at  Los  Angeles — Trouble  with  the 
Authorities — A  Singular  Escape 17 

CHAPTER  IV. 

An  Alarming  Visit — Carson's  Resources — On  the  Colorado  and  Gila — 
Capturing  a  Herd  of  Horses  and  Mules — The  Raiders — Turning  the 
Tables — Caching  their  Peltries — Return  to  Santa  Fe — Carson  Goes 
upon  a  Second  Trapping  Expedition — Hunting  with  an  Old  Mountaineer 
— A  Visit  from  Crow  Indians 23 

CHAPTER  V. 

Kit  Carson's  Decision — A  Hot  Pursuit  and  an  Unexpected  Discovery — 
\Veary\Vaiting — A  Snow  Balling  Party — A  Daring  Attack — Brilliai ' 
Exploit sy 


ii.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

7  he  British  and  American  Trapper — Hunting  on  the  Laramie — The 
Deserters — The  Vain  Pursuit — Arrival  of  Friends — The  Return  Jour- 
ney— The  Night  Alarm — The  Attack  Upon  the  Camp — Pursuit  and  Re- 
covery of  Horses.  .  ..  :  .  '35 

CHAPTER  VII. 

An  Unexpected  Meeting — The  Ambush — A  Daring  and  Perilous  Ride — 
Return  to  Camp — Disappointments — The  Beaver.  .  41 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Carson  and  Two  Companions  set  out  on  a  Trapping  Expedition  of  Their 
Own — They  Meet  With  Great  Success — Is  Engaged  by  Captain  Lee — 
Carson's  Pursuit  of  an  Indian  Thief.  .  .  .48 

CHAPTER  IX. 

A  Hot  Pursuit — An  Unexpected  Calamity — Carson  Continues  the  Chase 
Alone— The  Result  .  .  .  .  .  .53 

CHAPTER  X. 

Carson  Returns  with  the  Recovered  Property — Journey  to  Snake  River — 
Starts  on  a  Trapping  Expedition  with  Three  Companions — Carson's 
Stirring  Adventure  with  Two  Grizzly  Bears  .  .  59 

CHAPTER  XL 

On  the  Green  River — In  the  Blackfoot  Country — The  Blackfeet — An  Un- 
welcome Visit — The  Pursuit  and  Parley — Dissolution  of  the  Peace  Con- 
gress. .  .  .  .  .  .65 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Carson  Badly  Wounded — A  Drawn  Battle — An  Ineffectual  Pursuit — The 
Summer  Rendezvous — Carson's  Duel.  .  .  .71 


CONTENTS.  in. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

On  the  Yellowstone — Repeated  Disappointments — Carson  Enters  the  Em- 
ploy of  a  Hudson  Bay  Trader — Poor  Success — A  Trying  Journey — 
Arrival  at  Fort  Hall — The  American  Buffalo  or  Bison.  .  77 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

A  Strange  Occurrence — Arrival  of  Friends — Carson  Joins  a  Large  Com- 
pany— Trapping  on  the  Yellowstone — The  Blackfeet — A  Dreadful 
Scourge — In  Winter  Quarters — The  Friendly  Crow  Indians — Loss  of 
Two  Trappers — On  the  Head  Waters  of  the  Missouri.  .  83 

CHAPTER  XV. 

A  Fierce  Battle  with  the  Blackfeet— Daring  Act  of  Kit  Carson— Arrival 
of  the  Reserves  and  End  of  the  Battle.  .  .  .89 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

At  Brown's  Hole — Trading  in  the  Navajoe  Country — Carson  Serves  as 
Hunter  at  Brown's  Hole — Trapping  in  the  Black  Hills — On  the  Yellow- 
stone — Fight  with  the  Blackfeet — Their  Retreat  to  an  Island — Their 
Flight  During  the  Night — An  Imposing  Array  of  Warriors.  .  95 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  Morrow— Withdrawal  of  the  Indian  Army— At  Fort  Hall— In  the 
Blackfoot  Country — The  Ambush — The  Trappers  Decide  lo" Withdraw 
— Trapping  in  Other  Localities — Carson  Decides  to  Abandon  the  Busi- 
ness— Visits  Bent's  Fort  Where  He  Serves  as  a  Hunter  for  Eight 
Years,  .  .....  101 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Carson  Visits  His  Old  Home  in  Missouri — He  Goes  to  St.  Louis — Voyage 
up  the  Missouri — Makes  the  Acquaintance  of  Lieutenant  John  C.  Fre- 
mont— Is  engaged  as  a  Guide  for  Fremont's  First  Expedition — The 
Start  Westward — Various  Mishaps — The  Emigrants— The  False 
Alarm.  ;  ....  107 


iv.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

On  the  Flattc— A  False  Alarm — The  Cheyennes— Fremont's  Account  of 
his  Buffalo  Hunt — Division  of  the  Party — Fremont's  Journey  up  the 
South  Fork— The  Band  of  Indians— Arrival  at  St.  Vrain's  Fort— The 
Journey  4sdBSTLaramie.  •  •  •  .114 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Alarming  News — Fremont  Presses  Forward  and  is  Not  Molested — Arrival 
at  South  Pass — Fremont's  Account  of  the  Ascent  of  the  Highest  Peak 
of  the  Rocky  Mountains — The  Return  to  Fort  Laramie — Carson  Starts 
for  New  Mexico — End  of  Fremont's  First  Exploring  Expedition.  120 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Carson  Starts  for  the  States — The  Encampment  of  Captain  Cook  and  his 
Dragooas — Carson  Undertakes  a  Delicate  and  Dangerous  Mission — The 
Perilous  Journey — Return  of  Carson  and  the  Mexican  Boy — Encounter 
with  Four  Utah  Indians — Arrival  at  Bent's  Fort.  .  .127 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Kit  Carson  Hears  Surprising  News— He  Visits  Fremont— Is  Re-engaged 
as  Guide — Fremont's  Account  of  his  Visit  to  Salt  Lake.  .  133 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  Return— Suffering  for  Food— A  Royal  Feast— On  the  Lewis  Fork- 
Fort  Hall — Division  of  the  Party — Arrival  at  Dallas — The  Sierra 
Nevada — Preparations  for  the  Passage  Through  the  Mountains — Fre- 
mont's Account.  .  .  .  .  147 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Continuation  of  Fremont's  Account  of  the  Passage  Through  the  Moun. 
tains.  .  .  .  .  •  .158 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Start  Homeward — The  Visitors  in  Camp  and  Their  Story— Carson 
and  Godey  Start  to  the  Rescue — Trailing  the  Enemy  by  Night — In 
Camp — The  Attack — An  Amazing  Success — The  Return.  .  166 


CONTENTS.  v. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Arrival  at  Bent's  Fort — Carson  goes  to  Taos  and  Decides  to  Become  a 
Farmer — Arrival  of  a  Messenger  from  Fremont — Carson  and  Owens 
Repair  Again  to  Bent's  Fort — Carson  Engaged  as  Guide  for  Fremont's 
Third  Exploring  Expedition — On  the  Great  Divide — Division  of  the 
Parties — The  Journey  Across  the  Desert — A  Singular  Meeting — Abori- 
ginal Horse  Thieves.  .  .  .  173 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Alarming  Sounds — Danger  of  the  Scouts — Fremont  Goes  to  Their  Rescue 
— Arrival  at  Sutler's  Fort — Ordered  out  of  California  by  the  Mexican 
Governor — Fremont's  Refusal — Withdrawal  to  Sacramento  River — Ar- 
rival of  Despatches  from  Washington — War  with  Mexico— Meeting 
with  Lieutenant  Gillespie— Night  Attack  by  Klamatli  Indians.  179 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Retaliatory  Measures — Fremont's  Return  to  California — Capture  of 
Sonoma — Sutler's  Fort  Placed  Under  Military  Rule — Monterey  Taken  by 
Commodore  Sloat — Capture  of  Los  Angeles  by  Fremont  and  Commo- 
dore Stockton— Carson  Sent  Fa>t  a-  a  Uearer  of  Despatches — The 
Meeting  with  Apaches-^Ceneral  Kearney — Bravery  of  the  California 
Mexicans.  .  ...  185 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Daring  Exploit  of  Kit  Carson  and  Lieutenant  Beale — General  Kearney 
Saved.  ......  192 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

Capture  of  Los  Angeles — Court  Martial  of  Fremont— Carson  Appointed  a 
Bearer  of  Dispatches  to  Washington — His  Journey  to  St.  Louis — Visits 
Washington — Appointed  Lieutenant  by  President  Polk — Ordered  Back 
Across  the  Continent — His  Journev — Assigned  to  Duty  at  Tajon  Pass — 
Again  Ordered  to  Washington — H'.s  Appointment  not  Confirmed  by 
the  United  States  Senate — Visif  **>>  Washington — Return  to  New 
Mexico.  .  .  ,  .  .  197 


vi.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Hostility  of  the  Apaches— Colonel  Beale  Sends  an  Expedition  Against 
Them — Nothing  Accomplished — Colonel  Beale  Leads  an  Expedition 
with  Carson  as  Guide — Capture  and  Release  of  Two  Chiefs — March  to 
the  Arkansas — Another  Failure — Carson  and  Maxwell  Build  a  Ranche — 
Fremont's  Fourth  Expedition — The  Murderous  Apaches — A  Fruitless 
Pursuit.  ......  204 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

The  Wounded  Herder— A  Successful  Pursui1— An  Atrocious  Plot— How 
it  was  Frustrated — Gratitude  of  the  Gentlemen  whom  Carson  was  the 
Means  of  Saving  From  Death.  .  .  .  21 1 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Carson  Visits  St.  Louis  on  Business — Encounter  with  Cheyennes  on  his 
Return — His  Sagacity  Does  not  Fail  Him — Carson's  Last  Beaver 
Expedition — His  California  Speculation.  .  .  .216 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

In  San  Francisco — The  Return  Homeward — The  Mormon  Delegate  Gives 
Carson  Some  Interesting  Information — Carson's  First  Stirring  Duties  as 
Indian  Agent — The  Affection  of  the  Red  Men  for  Father  Kit.  223 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Trouble  With  the  Apaches— Defeat  of  the  Soldiers— Colonel  Cook's 
Expedition  Against  Them— It  Meets  With  Only  Partial  Success— Major 
Brooks'  Attempt  to  Punish  the  Apaches — A  Third  Expedition.  229 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
Discovery  of  the  Trail — Prairie  Detectives.  .  .  235 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

The  Pursuit  and  Attack— "Two  O'clock."  «.  .  241 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
Letter  from  General  W.  T.  Sherman,  and  from  General  J.  F.  Rusling.  248 


INTRODUCTION. 


CHRISTOPHER  CARSON,  or  as  he  was  familiarly  called,  Kit 
Carson,  was  a  man  whose  real  worth  was  understood 
only  by  those  with  whom  he  was  associated  or  who 
closely  studied  his  character.  He  was  more  than  hunter, 
trapper,  guide,  Indian  agent  and  Colonel  in  the  United 
States  Army.  He  possessed  in  a  marked  degree  those 
mental  and  moral  qualities  which  would  have  made  him 
prominent  in  whatever  pursuit  or  profession  he  engaged. 

His  lot  was  cast  on  the  exttvmr  western  frontier, 
where,  when  but  a  youth,  he  earned  the  respect  of  the 
rough  and  frequently  lawless  men  with  whom  he  came  in 
contact.  Integrity,  bravery,  loyalty  to  friends,  marvelous 
quickness  in  making  right  decisions,  in  crisis  of  danger, 
consummate  knowledge  of  woodcraft,  a  leadership  as  skil- 
ful as  it  was  daring ;  all  these  were  distinguishing  traits  in 
the  composition  of  Carson  and  were  the  foundations  of  the 
broader  fame  which  he  acquired  as  the  friend  and  invalu- 
able counselor  of  Fremont,  the  Pathfinder,  in  his  expedi- 
tions across  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Father  Kit,  as  he  came  to  be  known  among  the 
Indians,  risked  his  life  scores  of  times  for  those  who 
needed,  but  had  no  special  claim  upon  his  services.  The 
red  men  were  quick  to  learn  that  he  always  spoke  with  a 

3 


4  LIFE  0/>   A'fT  CARSON. 

"  single  tongue,"  and  that  he  was  their  unselfish  friend. 
He  went  among  his  hostiles  when  no  one  of  his  race 
dare  follow  him ;  he  averted  more  than  one  outbreak ; 
he  secured  that  which  is  impossible  to  secure — justice  for 
the  Indian — and  his  work  from  the  time,  when  a  mere  boy 
he  left  his  native  Kentucky,  was  always  well  done.  His 
memory  will  forever  remain  fragrant  with  those  who 
appreciate  true  manhood  and  an  unswerving  devotion  to 
the  good  of  those  among  whom  he  lived  and  died. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Kit  Carson's  Youth— His  Visit  to  New  Mexico— Acts  as  Inter- 
preter and  in  Various  Other  Employments — Joins  a  Party  of 
Trappers  and  Engages  in  a  Fight  with  Indians — Visits  the 
Sacramento  Valley. 

"KiT  CARSON,"  the  most  famous  hunter,  scout  and  guide 
ever  known  in  this  country,  was  a  native  of  Kentucky, 
the  scene  of  the  principal  exploits  of  Daniel  Boone, 
Simon  Kenton,  the  Wetzel  brothers  and  other  heroic 
pioneers  whose  names  are  identified  with  the  history  of 
the  settlement  of  the  West. 

Christopher  Carson  was  born  in  Madison  county,  De- 
cember 24,  1809,  and,  while  he  was  still  an  infant,  his 
father  removed  to  Central  Missouri,  which  at  that  day  was 
known  as  Upper  Louisiana.  It  was  an  immense  wilder- 
ness, sparsely  settled  and  abounding  with  wild  animals 
and  treacherous  Indians.  The  father  of  Carson,  like  most 
of  the  early  pioneers,  divided  his  time  between  cultivating 
the  land  and  hunting  the  game  in  the  forests.  His  house 
was  made  strong  and  was  pierced  with  loop  holes,  so  as 
to  serve  him  in  his  defence  against  the  red  men  that  were 
likely  to  attack  him  and  his  family  at  any  hour  of  the 


6  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

day  or  night.     In  such  a  school  was  trained  the  wonder- 
ful scout,  hunter  and  guide. 

No  advantages  in  the  way  of  a  common  school  educa- 
tion were  within  reach  of  the  youth  situated  as  was  Kit 
Carson.  It  is  to  be  believed,  however,  that  under  the 
tutilage  of  his  father  and  mother,  he  picked  up  a  fair 
knowledge  of  the  rudimentary  branches,  for  his  attain- 
ments in  that  respect  were  above  the  majority  of  those 
with  whom  he  was  associated  in  after  life. 

While  a  mere  stripling,  Kit  became  known  as  one  of 
the  most  skilful  rifle  shots  in  that  section  of  Missouri 
which  produced  some  of  the  finest  marksmen  in  the 
world.  It  was  inevitable  that  he  should  form  a  passion 
for  the  woods,  in  which,  like  the  great  Boone,  he  would 
have  been  happy  to  wander  for  days  and  weeks  at  a 
time. 

When  fifteen  years  old,  he  was  apprenticed  to  a  sad- 
dler, where  he  stayed  two  years.  At  the  end  of  that 
time,  however,  the  confinement  had  become  so  irksome 
that  he  could  stand  it  no  longer.  He  left  the  shop  and 
joined  a  company  of  traders,  preparing  to  start  for  Santa 
Fe,  the  capital  of  New  Mexico,  one  of  the  most  interest- 
ing towns  in  the  south-west.  The  majority  of  its  popu- 
lation are  of  Spanish  and  Mexican  origin  and  speak 
Spanish.  It  is  the  centre  of  supplies  for  the  surrounding 
country,  and  is  often  a  scene  of  great  activity.  It  stands 
on  a  plateau,  more  than  a  mile  above  the  sea  level,  with 
another  snow-capped  mountain  rising  a  mile  higher. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  7 

The  climate  is  delightful  and  the  supply  of  water  from 
the  springs  and  mountains  is  of  the  finest  quality. 

Santa  Fe,  when  first  visited  by  the  Spaniards  in  1542, 
was  a  populous  Indian  pueblo.  It  has  been  the  capital 
of  New  Mexico  for  nearly  two  hundred  and  fifty  years. 
The  houses  of  the  ancient  town  are  made  of  adobe,  one 
story  high  and  the  streets  are  unpaved,  narrow,  crooked 
and  ill-looking.  The  inhabitants  are  of  a  low  order, 
scarcely  entitled  to  be  ranked  above  the  half-civilized, 
though  of  late  years  the  infusion  of  western  life  and 
rugged  civilization  has  given  an  impetus  and  character  to 
the  place  for  which,  through  three  centuries,  it  waited  in 
vain. 

The  company  to  which  young  Kit  Carson  attached 
himself,  was  strongly  armed  and  it  made  the  perilous 
journey,  across  rivers,  mountains  and  prairies,  through  a 
country  infested  with  fierce  Indians,  without  the  loss  of 
one  of  their  number.  This  immunity  was  due  to  their 
vigilance  and  knowledge  of  the  ways  of  the  hostiles 
who,  it  may  be  said,  were  on  all  sides,  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end  of  their  journey. 

After  reaching  Santa  Fe,  Carson  left  the  party  and 
went  to  Taos,  a  small  station  to  the  north  of  Santa  Fe. 
There  he  stayed  through  the  winter  of  1 826-27,  at  the 
home  of  a  veteran  pioneer,  from  whom  he  gained  not 
only  a  valuable  knowledge  of  the  country  and  its  people, 
but  became  familiar  with  the  Spanish  language — an 
attainment  which  proved  invaluable  to  him  in  after  years. 


8  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

In  the  spring,  he  joined  a  party  which  set  out  for  Mis- 
souri, but  before  reaching  its  destination,  another  com- 
pany of  traders  were  met  on  their  way  to  Santa  Fe. 
Young  Carson  joined  them,  and  some  days  later  was 
back  again  in  the  quaint  old  capital  of  New  Mexico. 

The  youth's  engagement  ended  with  his  arrival  in 
the  town,  but  there  was  nothing  indolent  in  the  nature 
of  Carson,  who  immediately  engaged  himself  as  team- 
ster to  a  company  about  to  start  to  El  Paso,  on  the  Rio 
Grande,  near  the  frontier  of  New  Mexico.  He  did  not 
stay  long  before  drifting  back  to  Santa  Fe,  and  finally  to 
Taos,  where  he  hired  out  as  a  cook  during  the  following 
winter,  but  had  not  wrought  long,  when  a  wealthy  trader, 
learning  how  well  Carson  understood  the  Spanish  lan- 
guage, engaged  him  as  interpreter.  This  duty  compelled 
the  youth  to  make  another  long  journey  to  El  Paso  and 
Chihuahua,  the  latter  being  the  capital  of  the  province  of 
the  same  name,  and  another  of  those  ancient  towns 
whose  history  forms  one  of  the  most  interesting  features 
of  the  country.  It  was  founded  in  1691  and  a  quarter  of 
a  century  later,  when  the  adjoining  silver  mines  were  in 
full  operation,  had  a  population  of  70,000,  though  to-day 
it  has  scarcely  a  fifth  of  that  number. 

The  position  of  interpreter  was  more  dignified  than 
any  yet  held  by  Carson,  and  it  was  at  his  command,  as 
long  as  he  chose  to  hold  it ;  but  to  one  of  his  restless 
nature  it  soon  grew  monotonous  and  he  threw  it  up,  mak- 
ing his  way  once  more  to  Taos.  The  employment  most 


LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON.  9 

congenial  to  Carson's  nature,  and  the  one  which  he  had 
been  seeking  ever  since  he  left  home,  was  that  of  hunter 
and  trapper.  The  scarred  veterans  whom  he  met  in  the 
frontier  and  frontier  posts  gave  him  many  accounts  of 
their  trapping  experiences  among  the  mountains  and  in 
the  gloomy  fastnesses  where,  while  they  hunted  the  bear, 
deer,  beaver  and  other  animals,  the  wild  Indian  hunted 
them. 

Carson  had  been  in  Taos  a  short  time  only  when  he 
gained  the  opportunity  for  which  he  was  searching.  A 
party  of  trappers  in  the  employ  of  Kit's  old  friend  had 
just  come  to  Taos,  having  been  driven  from  their  trap- 
ping grounds  by  the  Indians.  The  employer  set  about 
raising  a  party  strong  enough  to  return  to  the  trapping 
grounds,  chastise  the  hostiles  and  resume  business. 
Knowing  the  skill  and  bravery  of  the  young  Kentuckian, 
the  gentleman  made  him  an  offer  to  join  the  party  and 
Kit  eagerly  accepted  it. 

The  Mexicans  have  never  been  particularly  friendly 
toward  their  neighbors  north  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  at 
that  time  a  very  strict  law  was  in  force  which  forbade  the 
issuance  of  any  license  to  American  citizens  to  trap 
within  Mexican  territory.  The  company  which  mounted 
their  horses  and  rode  out  of  Taos  gave  the  author- 
ities to  understand  that  their  errand  was  simply  to 
chastise  the  red  men,  whereas  their  real  purpose  was  to 
engage  in  trapping.  With  a  view  of  misleading  the  offi- 
cers, they  took  a  roundabout  route  which  delayed  their 
arrival  in  the  section.  Nevertheless,  the  hunters  were 


10  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

desirious  of  punishing  the  Indians  who  had  taken  such 
liberties  with  the  small  party  that  preceded  them.  On 
one  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Gila,  the  trappers  came  upon 
the  identical  band  whom  they  attacked  with  such  fierce- 
ness that  more  than  a  dozen  were  killed  and  the  rest  put 
to  flight.  The  fight  was  a  desperate  one,  but  young  as 
Carson  was,  he  acquitted  himself  in  a  manner  which  won 
the  wannest  praise  of  those  with  him.  He  was  unques- 
tionably daring,  skilful  and  sagacious,  and  was  certain, 
if  his  life  was  spared,  to  become  one  of  the  most  valuable 
members  of  the  party. 

Having  driven  the  savages  away,  the  Americans  began 
or  rather  resumed  their  regular  business  of  trapping. 
The  beavers  were  so  abundant  that  they  met  with  great 
success.  When  the  rodents  seemed  to  diminish  in  num- 
ber, the  hunters  shifted  their  quarters,  pursuing  their  pro- 
fession along  the  numerous  streams  until  it  was  decided 
to  divide  into  two  parties,  one  of  which  returned  to  New 
Mexico,  while  the  other  pushed  on  toward  the  Sacramento 
Valley  in  California.  Carson  accompanied  the  latter, 
entering  the  region  at  that  early  day  when  no  white  man 
dreamed  of  the  vast  wealth  of  gold  and  precious  metals 
which  so  crowded  her  soil  and  river  beds  that  the  wonder 
is  the  gleaming  particles  had  not  been  detected  many 
years  before  ;  but,  as  the  reader  knows  they  lay  quietly  at 
rest  until  that  eventful  day  in  1 848,  when  the  secret  was 
revealed  by  Captain  Sutter's  race-way  and  the  frantic  mul- 
titudes flocked  thither  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 
earth. 


CHAPTER  II. 

California— Sufferings  of  the  Hunters — The  Mission  of  San  Ga- 
briel— The  Hudson  Bay  Trappers — Characteristics  of  Carson — 
He  Leads  the  Party  which  Captures  an  Indian  Village  and 
Secures  some  Criminals. 

CALIFORNIA,  one  of  the  most  magnificent  regions  of 
the  earth,  with  its  amazing  mineral  wealth,  its  rich  soil 
and  "glorious  climate,"  has  its  belts  of  sterility  and 
desolation,  where  the  bones  of  many  a  traveller  and 
animal  lie  bleaching  in  the  sun,  just  as  they  fell  years  ago, 
when  the  wretched  victim  sank  down  and  perished  for 
want  of  food  and  water. 

The  hunting  party  to  which  Carson  was  attached,  num- 
bered eighteen  and  they  entered  one  of  those  forbidding 
wastes,  where  they  suffered  intensely.  All  their  skill  in 
the  use  of  the  rifle  was  of  no  avail,  when  there  was  no 
game  to  shoot  and  it  was  not  long  before  they  were 
forced  to  live  on  horse  flesh  to  escape  starvation.  This, 
however,  was  not  so  trying  as  might  be  supposed,  pro- 
vided it  did  not  last  until  the  entire  party  were  dis- 
mounted. 

Fortunately,  in  their  straits,  they  encountered  a  party 
of  Mohave  Indians,  who  sold  them  enough  food  to 
remove  all  danger.  These  Indians  form  a  part  of  the 
Yuma  nation  of  the  Pima  family,  and  now  make  their 

IX 


12  LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON. 

home  on  the  Mohave  and  Colorado  rivers  in  Arizona. 
They  are  tall,  well-formed,  warlike  and  industrious  cul- 
tivators of  the  soil.  Had  they  chosen  to  attack  the 
hunters,  it  would  have  gone  ill  with  the  whites,  but  the 
latter  showed  commendable  prudence  which  might  have 
served  as  a  model  to  the  hundreds  who  came  after  them, 
when  they  gained  the  good  will  of  the  red  men. 

Extricating  themselves  from  the  dangerous  stretch  of 
country,  the  trappers  turned  westward  until  they  reached 
the  mission  of  San  Gabriel,  one  of  those  extensive  estab- 
lishments formed  by  the  Roman  Catholic  clergy  a  hun- 
dred years  ago.  There  were  over  a  score,  San  Diego 
being  the  oldest.  Each  mission  had  its  priests,  a  few 
Spanish  or  Mexican  soldiers  and  scores,  hundreds  and 
sometimes  thousands  of  Indian  converts  who  received  a 
scant  support  and  some  religious  instruction. 

The  Mission  of  San  Gabriel  was  by  no  means  the 
largest  in  California,  and  yet  at  the  time  of  Carson's  visit 
it  owned  70,000  head  of  cattle,  200  horses,  3,000  mares, 
hundreds  of  mules,  oxen  and  sheep,  while  the  vineyards 
produced  600  barrels  of  wine  every  year. 

Those  old  sovereigns  of  the  soil  dispensed  hospitality 
without  stint  to  all  who  knocked  at  their  gates.  When 
the  trappers  caught  sight  of  the  Mission,  as  they  rode 
out  from  the  wilderness,  they  knew  what  awaited  them 
in  the  way  of  entertainment.  They  were  treated  right 
royally,  but  remained  only  one  day. 

Not  far  away  they  reached  another  Mission  of  less 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  13 

extent  than  the  former,  but,  without  halt,  they  pressed 
steadily  forward  toward  the  Sacramento  River.  The 
character  of  the  section  changed  altogether.  It  was 
exceedingly  fertile  and  game  was  so  abundant  that  they 
feasted  to  their  heart's  content.  When  fully  rested,  they 
proceeded  to  the  San  Joaquin  river  down  which  they 
began  trapping. 

While  thus  employed,  they  were  surprised  to  discover 
signs  of  another  trapping  party  near  them.  They 
wondered  where  they  came  from  and  it  did  not  take  them 
long  to  learn  that  their  neighbors  were  a  company  of 
trappers  belonging  to  the  Hudson  Bay  Company — that 
enormous  corporation,  founded  two  centuries  before, 
whose  agents  and  employes  tramp  over  British  America, 
far  to  the  northward  of  the  frozen  circle,  and  until  a 
recent  date  hunted  through  Oregon. 

The  two  parties  were  rivals  in  business,  but  they 
showed  excellent  sense  by  meeting  on  good  terms  and 
treating  each  other  as  friends.  They  trapped  near  each 
other  until  they  came  to  the  Sacramento  once  more, 
when  they  parted  company.  The  Hudson  Bay  trappers 
started  for  the  Columbia  River,  while  the  one  to  which 
Carson  was  attached  went  into  camp  where  they  were  for 
the  rest  of  the  summer.  With  the  approach  of  warm 
weather  the  trapping  season  ended  and  they  devoted 
themselves  to  hunting  and  making  ready  for  cold 
weather. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  Kit  Carson  was  still  a 


14  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

youth,  not  having  reached  his  majority.  He  was  of 
short,  compact  stature,  no  more  than  five  feet,  six  inches 
tall,  with  light  brown  hair,  gray  eyes,  large  head,  high 
forehead,  broad  shoulders,  full  chest,  strong  and  possess- 
ing remarkable  activity.  Even  at  that  early  age,  he  had 
impressed  the  veteran  hunters  and  trappers  around  him 
as  one,  possessing  such  remarkable  abilities,  that,  if  his 
life  was  spared,  he  was  certain  to  become  a  man  of  mark. 
If  we  should  attempt  to  specify  the  particular  excellen- 
cies in  which  he  surpassed  those  around  him,  it  would  be 
said  that  while  Carson  was  one  of  the  most  fearless  men 
who  lived,  yet  he  possessed  splendid  judgment.  He 
seemed  to  know  instinctively  what  could  be  accomplished 
by  himself  and  friends  in  positions  of  extreme  peril,  and 
he  saw  on  the  moment  precisely  how  to  do  that  which 
often  was  impossible  to  others. 

His  knowledge  of  woodcraft  and  the  peculiarities  of 
the  savage  tribes  around  him  was  as  perfect  as  it  could 
be.  He  was  a  matchless  hunter,  and  no  man  could  han- 
dle a  rifle  with  greater  skill.  The  wilderness,  the  moun- 
tains, the  Indians,  the  wild  animals — these  constituted  the 
sphere  in  which  nature  intended  Kit  Carson  should  move 
and  serve  his  fellow  men  as  no  one  before  or  after  him 
has  done. 

Added  to  these  extraordinary  qualifications,  was  the 
crowning  one  of  all — modesty.  Alas,  how  often  tran- 
scendant  merit  is  made  repelling  by  overweening  conceit. 
Kit  Carson  would  have  given  his  life  before  he  would 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  15 

have  travelled  through  the  eastern  cities,  with  his  long 
hair  dangling  about  his  shoulders,  his  clothing  bristling 
with  pistols  and  knives,  while  he  strutted  on  the  mimic 
stage  as  a  representative  of  the  untamed  civilization  of 
the  great  west. 

Carson  was  a  superior  hunter  when  a  boy  in  Missouri, 
and  the  experience  gained  among  the  experienced  hun- 
ters and  trappers,  soon  caused  him  to  become  noted  by 
those  who  had  fought  red  men,  trapped  beaver  and  shot 
grizzly  bears  before  he  was  born.  And  yet  it  could  not 
have  been  that  alone :  it  must  have  been  his  superior 
mental  capacity  which  caused  those  heroes  of  a  hundred 
perils  to  turn  instinctively  to  him  for  counsel  and  guidance 
in  situations  of  extreme  peril.  Among  them  all  was  no 
one  with  such  masterful  resources  in  that  respect  as  he. 

While  the  trappers  were  encamped  at  this  place,  a 
messenger  visited  them  from  the  Mission  of  San  Rafael, 
with  a  request  that  they  would  help  chastise  a  party 
of  Indians,  who,  after  committing  some  outrages  at  the 
Mission,  had  fled  to  an  Indian  village.  When  a  demand 
was  made  for  the  surrender  of  the  refugees,  the  villagers 
not  only  refused  to  give  them  up,  but  attacked  the  party 
and  drove  them  off.  Appreciating  the  importance  of 
upholding  their  authority,  the  priests  sent  to  the  trappers 
for  assistance  in  bringing  the  guilty  ones  and  their  friends 
to  terms. 

As  soon  as  the  request  was  made  known,  Carson  and 
eleven  of  his  companions  volunteered  to  help  their  vis- 


16  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

itors.  Thus  reinforced,  the  company  from  the  Mission 
set  out  again  for  the  Indian  village. 

Nothing  can  attest  more  strongly  the  skill  and  brav- 
ery of  Kit  Carson,  than  the  fact  that  he  was  at  once 
selected  to  lead  the  party  on  its  dangerous  errand.  While 
he  was  as  modest  as  a  woman  and  with  a  voice  as  gentle 
and  persuasive,  he  could  not  be  ignorant  of  his  own 
capacities,  and  he  assumed  charge  without  any  pretense 
of  unfitness. 

It  is  easy  to  understand  the  great  care  required  in  this 
expedition,  for  the  warriors  in  the  village,  having  beaten 
off  their  assailants,  naturally  looked  for  their  return  with 
reinforcements,  and,  in  order  to  insure  success,  it  was 
necessary  that  the  attack  should  be  a  surprise. 

Having  brought  his  men  quite  close  to  the  village 
unperceived,  Kit  gave  the  signal  and  the  whole  company 
swept  through  the  place  like  a  cyclone.  There  were  a 
few  minutes  of  terrific  fighting,  during  which  a  score  of 
warriors  were  killed,  and  then  the  entire  village  was  cap- 
tured. Carson  as  the  leader  of  the  assailants,  demanded 
the  surrender  of  the  offenders  against  the  Mission.  Not 
daring  to  disobey  such  a  summons,  they  were  delivered 
up  to  the  authorities,  and  Carson,  seeing  nothing  more 
to  do  for  his  friends,  returned  with  his  companions  to 
camp  and  resumed  hunting  and  their  preparations  for 
cold  weather. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  Trapper's  Life— Indian  Horse  Thieves— Carson's  Skilful 
Pursuit  and  Surprise  of  the  Savages — Arrival  at  Los  Angeles — 
Trouble  with  the  Authorities — A  Singular  Escape. 

THE  trappers  being  in  the  heart  of  the  Indian  country, 
with  hostile  on  every  hand,  were  cautious  in  all  their 
movements.  When  one  of  the  grizzled  hunters  in  the 
depths  of  the  wilderness  fired  his  gun  at  some  deer,  ante- 
lope or  bear,  he  hastily  reloaded  his  rifle,  listening  mean- 
while for  sounds  of  the  stealthy  footprints  of  his  enemy. 
He  knew  not  when  the  treacherous  shot  would  be  sent 
from  behind  the  rock  or  clump  of  bushes,  but  he  had 
learned  long  before,  that,  when  he  penetrated  the  western 
wilds  and  followed  the  calling  of  trapper,  he  took  his  life 
in  his  hands  and  he  was  ready  to  "  go  under,"  whenever 
the  fate  so  decreed. 

The  most  flagrant  crime  on  the  frontier  is  horse  steal- 
ing. He  who  shoots  one  of  his  fellow  men  has  a  chance 
of  escaping  punishment  almost  as  good  as  that  afforded 
in  civilized  communities,  but  if  he  steals  a  horse  and  is 
caught,  his  case  is  hopeless.  It  may  be  said  that  the 
value  of  the  animal  to  the  hunter  or  trapper  is  beyond 
all  calculation,  and,  inasmuch  as  the  red  man  is  equally 
appreciative,  Carson  always  warned  his  friends  to  be  on 
the  watch  against  the  dusky  thieves.  Sentinels  were  on 
2  I/ 


1 8  LIFE  O1?  KIT  CARSON. 

guard  while  others  slept,  but  the  very  calamity  against 
which  they  thus  sought  to  protect  themselves  overtook 
them. 

One  dark  night  a  number  of  Indians  stole  by  the  sen- 
tinels and  before  their  presence  was  discovered,  drove  orf 
the  major  part  of  the  horses.  In  the  morning,  when  the 
alarming  truth  became  known,  the  employer  of  the  trap- 
pers  asked  Carson  to  take  twelve  of  the  men  and,  do  his 
utmost  to  recover  those  that  were  stolen.  Carson 
assented  at  once,  and,  in  his  quiet,  self-possessed  fashion, 
collected  his  comrades  who  were  speedily  in  the  saddle 
and  galloping  along  the  trail  of  the  thieves. 

It  may  strike  the  reader  that  an  off-hand  statement 
like  the  foregoing  relates  to  a  proceeding  of  no  special 
difficulty  or  peril.  A  party  of  brave  white  men  were 
pursuing  a  company  of  Indian  horse  thieves  and  the 
chances  of  escape  and  capture  were  about  equal.  Thus 
the  matter  presents  itself  to  the  ordinary  spectator, 
whereas  the  truth  was  far  different. 

In  the  first  place,  the  savages,  being  as  well  mounted 
as  their  pursuers,  were  sure  to  maintain  a  swift  pace,  so 
long  as  they  believed  any  danger  threatened.  They 
would  keep  a  keen  watch  of  the  back  trail  and  would  be 
quick  to  detect  the  approach  of  enemies.  If  pressed 
hard,  they  would  act  as  the  Apaches  and  Comanches  do, 
when  they  find  the  United  States  troops  at  their  heels, — 
break  up  in  so  many  small  parties  that  it  is  impossible  to 
follow  them. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOtf.  1$ 

First  of  all,  therefore,  Carson  had  two  achievements 
before  him — and  the  accomplishment  of  either  seemed 
to  render  the  other  impossible :  he  must  travel  at  a  faster 
rate  than  the  thieves,  and,  at  the  same  time  keep  them 
in  ignorance  of  his  pursuit.  It  is  on  such  occasions  that 
a  man's  wood-craft  and  knowledge  of  the  country  serve 
him  so  well.  Many  a  time,  during  the  career  of  Kit  Car- 
son, did  he  outwit  the  red  men  and  white  criminals,  not 
by  galloping  along  with  his  eye  upon  their  footprints, 
but  by  reasoning  out  with  unerring  skill,  the  destination 
or  refuge,  which  the  criminals  had  in  mind.  Having 
settled  that  all  important  question,  he  aimed  at  the  same 
point  and  frequently  reached  it  first.  Thus  it  came  about 
that  often  the  fugitive,  while  hurrying  along  and  glancing 
furtively  behind  him,  suddenly  found  himself  face  to  face 
with  his  pursuer,  whose  acquaintance  with  the  country 
enabled  him  to  find  the  shorter  route. 

It  took  Carson  only  a  few  minutes  to  satisfy  himself 
that  the  criminals  were  heading  for  the  Sierra  Nevada 
Mountains,  but,  inasmuch  as  they  were  following  a  direct 
course,  he  could  only  take  their  trail.  Where  there  were 
so  many  animals  in  flight,  it  was  impossible  to  hide  their 
tracks  and  the  thieves  made  no  attempt  to  do  so.  They 
struck  the  horses  into  a  sweeping  gallop,  which  with  a 
few  interruptions  they  maintained  until  they  were  a  hun- 
dred miles  from  the  camp  of  the  white  men  and  among 
the  fastnesses  of  the  Sierras. 

Then  it  was  the  red  men  made  a  careful  survey  of  the 


2O  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

trail  behind  them.  The  black  penetrating  eyes  scanned 
the  country  with  a  piercing  keenness  which  it  would  seem 
shut  out  all  possibility  of  concealment.  Nowhere  could 
they  detect  the  faint  smoke  climbing  toward  the  sky  from 
among  the  trees  nor  could  they  gain  sight  of  the  line  of 
horsemen  winding  around  the  rocks  in  the  distance. 
Nothing  resembling  a  human  being  was  visible.  Surely 
they  were  warranted  in  believing  themselves  perfectly 
secure. 

Such  being  their  conclusion,  they  prepared  for  a  great 
feast.  Six  of  the  stolen  horses  were  killed  and  the  red 
men  became  as  ardent  hipophagi  as  was  the  club  of 
advanced  Parisians  a  short  time  ago.  The  roasted  meat 
tasted  as  fine  to  them  as  though  it  was  the  choicest  slices 
from  the  bison  or  deer,  and  they  ate  and  frolicked  like  so 
many  children  let  loose  for  a  holiday. 

But  in  the  midst  of  their  feast,  was  heard  a  series  of 
frightful  yells  and  whoops.  The  appalled  Indians  had 
scarcely  time  to  turn  their  eyes  when  a  dozen  horsemen, 
that  seemed  to  have  risen  from  the  very  ground,  thun- 
dered down  upon  them.  Carson  and  his  men  had  over- 
taken the  thieves  and  they  now  swept  down  upon  them 
with  resistless  fury.  The  fight  was  as  short  as  it  was 
fierce.  The  red  men  fell  on  the  right  and  left,  and  those 
who  escaped  the  wrath  of  the  trappers,  scattered  and  ran 
as  if  a  hundred  bomb  shells  were  exploding  around  them. 
Every  horse  stolen  (except  the  six  killed  for  the  feast), 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  21 

were  recovered  and  Carson  took  them  back  to  camp  with- 
out the  loss  of  a  man. 

The  hunters  stayed  until  early  autumn,  when  their 
employer  decided  to  go  to  New  Mexico.  The  journey 
led  for  a  great  portion  of  the  way  through  a  country 
over  which  they  had  travelled,  and  which  therefore  was 
familiar  to  them.  After  halting  a  brief  while  at  the  Mis- 
sion of  San  Fernando,  they  arrived  at  Los  Angeles, 
which  like  the  rest  of  the  country  as  the  reader  knows, 
belonged  to  Mexico.  As  it  was  apparent  that  the  horse- 
men were  hunters  and  trappers,  the  authorities  demanded 
their  written  license  to  pursue  their  calling  in  Mexican 
territory.  Such  was  the  law  and  the  officials  were  war- 
ranted in  making  the  demand,  but  it  need  not  be  said 
that  the  party  were  compelled  to  admit  they  had  nothing 
of  the  kind  in  their  possession. 

The  authorities  thereupon  determined  to  arrest  the 
hunters,  but  knowing  their  desperate  nature,  hesitated  as 
to  the  safe  means  of  doing  so.  They  finally  hit  upon  a 
rather  ingenious,  though  unfair  means  of  disarming  the 
white  men:  they  began  giving  them  "fire  water''  to 
drink,  refusing  to  accept  pay  therefor.  Those  who  lead 
lives  of  hardship  and  peril  are  generally  fond  of  such 
indulgence,  and,  though  the  trappers  could  not  fail  to 
understand  the  purpose  of  the  Mexicans,  and  though 
they  knew  the  disastrous  consequences  of  giving  away 
to  temptation,  they  yielded  and  took  in  their  mouths  the 
enemy  which  stole  away  their  brains. 

The  employer  became  alarmed  and  saw  that  something 


22  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

must  be  done  at  once  or  everything  would  be  lost.  Car. 
son  had  been  too  wise  to  fall  into  the  snare,  and  he 
turned  to  him. 

"  Take  three  of  the  soberest  men,"  said  he,  "  and  the 
loose  animals  and  camp  equipage  and  push  out  of  the 
place.  I  will  join  you  as  soon  as  I  can,  but  you  musn't 
linger  for  me.  If  I  fail  to  join  you,  hasten  to  New  Mex- 
ico and  make  known  that  I  and  the  rest  of  my  men  have 
been  massacred.'' 

These  instructions  were  definite  and  they  showed  the 
gravity  of  the  situation.  Carson  did  as  directed,  while 
the  employer  gave  his  attention  to  the  rest  of  the  men. 
It  was  high  time  that  he  did  so,  for  they  were  fast  suc- 
cumbing to  their  appetites.  Despite  the  indignant  pro- 
tests and  efforts  of  the  employer  they  would  have 
undoubtedly  fallen  victims  but  for  an  unlocked  for  occur- 
rence. 

One  of  the  trappers  who  was  so  much  under  the  influ- 
ence of  liquor  as  to  become  reckless,  fired  upon  and 
slightly  wounded  a  native  of  the  place.  The  act  threw 
the  Mexicans  into  a  panic  of  terror,  and  they  fled  from 
the  presence  of  the  dreaded  Americans  who  seemed  eager 
for  any  sanguinary  deed. 

The  employer  was  wise  enough  to  take  advantage  of 
the  occurrence  and  he  succeeded,  after  much  labor,  in 
getting  his  half-intoxicated  men  together  and  out  of  the 
place.  The  horses  were  forced  to  their  utmost  and  the 
same  night  they  overtook  Carson  and  his  anxious  com- 
panions.  All  danger  from  that  source  was  ended. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

An  Alarming  Visit — Carson's  Resources — On  the  Colorado  and 
Gila — Capturing  a  Herd  of  Horses  and  Mules — The  Raiders — 
Turning  the  Tables — Caching  their  Peltries — Return  to  Santa 
Fe — Carson  Goes  upon  a  Second  Trapping  Expedition — Hunt- 
ing with  an  Old  Mountaineer — A  Visit  from  Crow  Indians. 

A  WEEK  or  more  later,  the  trappers  again  reached  the 
Colorado  River.  They  had  traveled  at  a  leisurely  pace 
and  once  more  they  went  into  camp,  where  they  were 
familiar  with  the  country.  Men  leading  such  lives  as 
they,  were  accustomed  to  all  kinds  of  surprises,  but  it 
may  be  doubted  whether  the  trappers  were  more  amazed 
in  all  their  existence  than  when  five  hundred  Indian  war- 
riors  made  their  appearance  and  with  signs  of  friendship 
overran  the  camp  before  they  could  be  prevented  or 
checked. 

The  hunters  did  not  know  what  to  make  of  the  pro- 
ceeding, and  looked  to  Carson  for  advice.  He  had 
already  discovered  that  the  situation  was  one  of  the 
gravest  danger.  Despite  the  professions  of  friendship, 
Kit  saw  that  each  warrior  had  his  weapons  under  his 
dress,  where  he  hoped  they  were  not  noticed  by  the 
whites.  Still  worse,  most  of  the  hunters  were  absent 
visiting  their  traps,  only  Kit  and  a  few  of  his  companions 
being  in  camp.  The  occasion  was  where  it  was  neces-- 

23 


24  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

sary  to  decide  at  once  what  to  do  and  then  to  do  it  with- 
out flinching. 

Among  the  red  men  was  one  who  spoke  Spanish  and 
to  him  Carson  addressed  himself: 

"  You  must  leave  the  camp  at  once ;  if  you  don't  do 
so  without  a  minute's  delay,  we  shall  attack  you  and 
each  of  us  is  sure  to  kill  one  warrior  if  not  more." 

These  brave  words  accompanied  by  such  determination 
of  manner  were  in  such  contrast  to  the  usual  course  of 
the  cowardly  Mexicans  that  the  Indians  were  taken  all 
aback.  They  could  not  suspect  the  earnestness  of  the 
short,  sturdy-framed  leader,  nor  could  they  doubt  that 
though  the  Indians  would  be  sure  to  overwhelm  the 
little  band,  yet  they  would  have  to  pay  dearly  for  the 
privilege.  It  took  them  but  a  few  minutes  to  conclude 
the  price  was  altogether  too  high  and  they  drew  off  with- 
out making  a  hostile  demonstration  against  the  brave 
Carson  and  his  men. 

The  trappers  worked  their  way  down  the  Colorado 
until  they  arrived  at  tidewater,  when  they  moved  to  the 
Gila,  along  which  they  trapped  until  they  reached  the 
mouth  of  the  San  Pedro.  They  were  in  sore  need  of 
horses  with  which  to  transport  their  furs  and  peltries, 
that  had  become  numerous  and  bulky.  While  in  this 
neighborhood,  they  discovered  a  large  herd  of  horses 
and  mules  in  the  possession  of  a  few  Indians.  According 
to  the  morality  of  the  border  this  property  was  legiti- 
mate prey;  but  in  point  of  fact  when  the  trappers  deter- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  2$ 

mined  to  take  the  animals  from  the  aborigines,  they 
became  thieves  and  robbers.  However,  it  is  not  to  be 
hoped  that  a  single  member  of  the  company  felt  the 
slightest  twinge  of  conscience  when  he  rode  at  full  speed, 
yelling  to  the  highest  bent,  and  helped  scatter  the  terri- 
fied red  men  to  the  winds.  The  entire  herd  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  whites,  and,  congratulating  themselves  on 
their  good  fortune,  they  kindled  a  huge  fire  and 
encamped  for  the  night. 

Most  of  the  men  had  lain  down  with  the  intention  of 
sleeping  until  morning,  and  Kit  sat  looking  in  the  fire, 
when  his  trained  ear  caught  a  peculiar  sound.  At  first, 
it  seemed  to  be  the  faint  roll  of  distant  thunder,  but  he 
knew  it  was  not.  He  listened  carefully  and  was  able  to 
tell  the  direction  whence  came  the  singular  noise,  but 
remained  uncertain  as  to  its  cause.  Then,  as  he  had 
done  many  a  time,  he  leaned  over  and  pressed  his  ear  to 
the  solid  earth.  Immediately  the  rumbling  became  more 
distinct  and  he  recognized  what  it  meant:  it  was  the 
tramp  of  numerous  hoofs  galloping  forward. 

Carson  and  several  of  his  men  stole  noiselessly  out  to 
reconnoissance  and  found  a  half  dozen  warriors  hurrying 
along  a  drove  of  more  than  a  hundred  horses.  They 
had  been  on  a  raid  among  the  Mexican  settlements  in 
Sonora  and  were  now  returning  home  with  their  plunder. 

The  temptation  was  one  which  Carson  and  his  com- 
panions could  not  resist.  They  sent  a  volley  from  their 
rifles  among  the  thieves,  which  threw  them  into  such  a 


26  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

panic  that  they  dashed  off  at  full  speed  without  giving 
the  least  thought  to  their  valuable  property.  The  latter, 
as  a  matter  of  course  was  taken  charge  of  by  the  trappers 
who  were  glad  of  the  opportunity  to  chastise  the  cow- 
ardly marauders. 

Under  the  circumstances,  however,  the  animals  were 
of  little  value  to  the  hunters,  who  had  all  they  needed. 
It  was  beyond  their  power  to  return  them  to  their 
owners,  but  the  best  were  selected,  several  of  the  plump- 
est killed  and  cured,  and  the  rest  turned  loose  to  go 
whither  they  chose. 

The  trappers  continued  up  the  Gila  until  near  the  cop- 
per mines  of  New  Mexico,  where  they  found  a  party  of 
white  men  trading  with  the  Indians.  The  peltries  were 
cached  and  placed  in  charge  of  their  friends,  while  Car- 
son and  his  companions  continued  on  until  they  reached 
Santa  Fe.  There  their  employer  bought  a  license  to 
trade  with  the  Indians  who  lived  near  the  copper  mines. 
Then  they  went  back  and  procuring  their  furs,  returned 
once  more  to  Santa  Fe,  where  they  were  sold  for  more 
than  twenty  thousand  dollars.  This  being  equitably 
divided  among  the  hunters,  furnished  each  a  goodly  sum. 
Like  so  many  sailors  just  ashore  from  a  long  voyage, 
most  of  the  trappers  went  on  a  prolonged  carousal,  which 
caused  their  money  to  melt  like  snow  in  the  sun.  When 
their  pockets  were  empty,  they  had  aching  heads,  weak 
frames  and  only  the  memory  of  their  feverish  pleasures. 

Kit  Carson  did  not  go  through  this  trial  unscathed. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  2/ 

He  drank  and  spreed  with  the  rest,  but  he  awoke  to  the 
folly  and  madness  of  his  course  sooner  than  they  and  the 
sad  lesson  learned  at  the  time,  lasted  him  through  life. 
The  baneful  habit  was  not  fastened  upon  him,  and  he  not 
only  acquired  the  mastery  over  self,  but  was  able  more 
than  once  to  save  others  from  falling  into  the  whirlpool 
which  has  swept  unnumbered  multitudes  to  wretchedness 
and  death. 

Carson  found  little  in  the  way  of  congenial  employ- 
ment until  the  fall  of  the  year  when  he  joined  a  second 
trapping  expedition.  The  first  had  won  him  such  a 
reputation  for  sagacity,  daring  and  skill,  that  his  services 
were  always  in  demand,  and  those  who  were  forming 
such  enterprises  sought  him  out  among  the  very  first. 

The  new  party  was  in  charge  of  an  experienced  moun- 
taineer, who  told  Kit  his  intention  was  to  trap  along  the 
principal  streams  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  He  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  region  and  was  confident  that 
the  expedition  would  not  only  be  enjoyable  and  thrilling 
in  the  highest  degree,  but  would  prove  profitable  to  all. 

The  party  travelled  northward  until  they  reached  the 
Platte  River  where  the  business  began.  They  moved 
from  stream  to  stream,  as  necessity  demanded,  shooting 
such  game  as  they  needed,  exchanging  shots  with  the 
watchful  red  men,  who  killed  four  of  the  trappers  while 
hunting  bison,  and  steadily  adding  to  their  stock  of  furs 
until  the  close  of  the  season  in  the  spring  of  1831. 
Learning  that  an  old  mountaineer,  named  Captain  Gaunt, 


28  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

had  spent  the  winter  at  Laramie  River  and  was  then  at 
New  Park,  Kit  Carson  and  four  of  his  friends  set  out  to 
join  him.  It  was  a  long  and  perilous  journey,  but  they 
made  it  in  safety  and  the  Captain  gave  them  glad  wel- 
come. They  hunted  together  for  many  months  following 
until  the  Captain  went  to  Taos  to  sell  his  peltries.  On 
his  return,  operations  were  resumed  until  the  weather 
became  so  cold  they  were  forced  into  winter  quarters. 

The  winter  proved  very  severe.  The  snow  was  so 
deep  that  only  by  cutting  down  numerous  cottonwoods 
and  using  the  bark  and  twigs  for  fodder  were  the  animals 
saved  from  starvation.  Fortunately,  they  had  laid  in  a 
good  stock  of  bison  meat  so  that  the  trappers  themselves 
underwent  no  suffering  for  food.  In  fact,  they  found 
little  to  do  except  to  pass  the  time  in  idleness.  With 
abundant  food,  plenty  of  tobacco  and  the  means  of  engag- 
ing in  certain  games,  they  whiled  away  the  long  winter 
days  and  evenings  until  the  signs  of  spring  appeared. 

But  while  the  winds  were  moaning  around  their  hut, 
in  which  they  made  their  home,  and  the  snow  rattled 
like  fine  sand  against  the  logs,  they  were  taught  again 
that  no  weather  is  severe  enough  to  keep  the  wily  red 
man  within  his  wigwam.  A  party  of  Crow  Indians  dis- 
covered the  camp  of  the  trappers  and  one  tempestuous 
night  made  them  a  stealthy  visit.  They  departed  during 
the  darkness,  and,  when  they  went  away,  took  with  them 
nine  of  the  very  best  horses  of  the  hunters — a  loss  too 
serious  to  be.  borne  without  using  every  recourse  to  pre- 
vent it. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Kit  Carson's  Decision — A  Hot  Pursuit  and  an  Unexpected  Dis- 
covery— Weary  Waiting — A  Snow  Balling  Party — A  Daring 
Attack— Brilliant  Exploit. 

INSTINCTIVELY  every  one  turned  to  Carson  to  learn 
what  he  had  to  advise  and  yet  each  was  certain  what  he 
would  say. 

"  It'll  never  do,  boys,  to  let  them  steal  our  horses  in 
that  style,"  he  remarked  in  his  quiet  fashion,  compressing 
his  lips  and  shaking  his  head,  while  his  eyes  flashed  with 
a  dangerous  light. 

All  knew  what  his  words  and  manner  meant,  and  in  a 
twinkling  the  thirteen  men  were  in  their  saddles,  and, 
with  their  gallant  leader  at  their  head,  galloped  forth  off 
in  pursuit. 

It  would  be  supposed  where  the  ground  was  covered 
with  snow  to  such  a  depth,  that  it  was  the  easiest  matter 
imaginable  to  follow  the  trail,  and  yet  Kit  and  his  com- 
panions found  it  one  of  the  most  difficult  tasks  they  had 
ever  undertaken.  Hundreds  of  bison  had  repeatedly 
crossed  the  tracks  since  they  were  made  and  less  experi- 
enced eyes  than  those  of  the  trappers  would  have  given 
over  the  search  in  despair. 

But  no  one  thought  of  turning  back,  and  the  pursuit 
was  pushed  unflaggingly  for  fully  forty  miles.  Not  the 

29 


30  LIFE   Ol    AY 7    CARSO.V. 

first  glimpse  had  been  obtained  of  the  Indians,  and  the 
horses  that  had  been  pushed  so  hard  finally  gave  out. 
They  were  in  poor  condition,  and,  when  the  company 
came  to  a  halt,  showed  such  exhaustion  that  it  was  evi- 
dent they  could  not  be  forced  much  further.  It  was 
decided,  therefore,  to  go  into  camp.  Accordingly,  they 
turned  the  heads  of  their  panting  animals  toward  a  piece 
of  woods  a  short  distance  away. 

Before  the  shelter  was  reached,  the  trappers  were 
astonished  to  observe  a  column  of  smoke  rising  above  the 
trees.  They  looked  in  each  others'  faces  with  a  smile  of 
gratification  :  inasmuch  as  the  trail  led  into  the  grove  and 
it  was  evident  a  camp  fire  was  burning  there,  it  followed 
that  they  were  close  to  the  thieves  whom  they  had  fol- 
lowed such  a  long  distance. 

The  discovery  infused  new  warmth  into  the  blood  of 
the  hunters,  who  were  fairly  a-tremble  with  eagerness  to 
attack  the  unsuspecting  Indians. 

But  all  were  too  experienced  in  the  ways  of  the  wilder- 
ness to  allow  their  impatience  to  betray  them  into  any 
indiscretion.  They  deemed  it  necessary  their  assault- 
should  be  a  surprise  and  they,  therefore,  withdrew  to  a 
secluded  place  in  the  woods  and  waited  for  night. 

This  was  trying  to  a  painful  degree.  The  weather 
which  had  been  bitterly  cold  during  the  day,  grew  still 
colder,  until  the  animals  shivered  as  if  with  the  ague. 
They  were  carefully  tied  where  the  trees  partly  sheltered 
them  from  the  cutting  wind  and  the  hunters  made  sure 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  31 

their  arms  were  ready.  Then,  when  the  sun  went  down 
and  darkness  crept  over  the  snowy  landscape,  the  men 
moved  around  so  as  to  approach  the  camp  from  the  direc- 
tion opposite  to  that  from  which  the  Indians  would 
naturally  look  for  pursuit. 

When  close  enough  to  catch  sight  of  the  flames  among 
the  trees,  the  hunters  sank  on  their  knees  and  crept  noise- 
lessly forward  until  able  to  gain  a  full  view  of  the  dusky 
thieves.  They  were  surprised  at  what  they  saw.  The 
savages  had  thrown  some  logs  and  stones  together  so  as 
to  make  a  couple  of  rude  forts  and  had  divided  them- 
selves into  two  parties.  It  was  characteristic  of  them 
that  they  were  holding  a  dance  and  feast  in  honor  of  the 
brilliant  style  in  which  they  had  outwitted  the  trappers 
forty  miles  away. 

The  scene  was  quite  interesting,  especially  when  our 
friends  plainly  saw  their  stolen  animals  tied  near  one  of 
the  forts.  The  sight  of  their  property  was  anything  but 
soothing  to  the  wrathful  trappers,  who  were  resolved  not 
to  go  back  to  their  own  camp  without  taking  the  horses 
along. 

But  the  Crows  were  strong  in  numbers,  well  armed  and 
ready  to  fight  on  the  briefest  notice.  It  would  have  been 
an  act  of  the  greatest  rashness  to  charge  upon  their  camp, 
while  they  were  excited  to  an  unusual  degree  by  the 
rejoicing  in  which  all  took  a  hilarious  part.  The  whites 
decided  to  wait  several  hours  longer  until  most  of  their 
enemies  would  be  unconscious  in  slumber. 


32  LIFE  OJ'  KIT  CARSON. 

All  this  time  the  weather  was  growing  colder,  and, 
toughened  as  the  trappers  had  become  by  years  of  expos- 
ure, they  suffered  greatly.  They  dare  not  move  about 
to  keep  up  the  circulation  of  their  blood,  for  the  slightest 
noise  was  liable  to  attract  the  suspicion  of  some  of  the 
Crows  who  might  be  prowling  through  the  grove.  More 
than  once  Carson  feared  his  limbs  were  freezing,  but  he 
held  out  like  the  genuine  hero  he  was,  and  his  compan- 
ions were  all  worthy  of  him. 

At  last  the  dance  was  over  and  the  tired  warriors 
wrapped  their  blankets  around  their  forms  and  stretched 
out  to  rest.  Their  manner  showed  they  had  no  thought 
that  a  foe  was  anywhere  in  the  neighborhood.  Although 
such  men  sleep  lightly,  they  do  not  remain  long  awake 
when  courting  sleep,  and  in  a  brief  while  all  were  uncon- 
scious except  the  sentinels  on  duty.  Even  they  were  so 
confident  that  nothing  threatened,  that  they  became  less 
vigilant  than  usual. 

"  Sh  '  now  is  the  time,"  whispered  the  youthful  leader. 

They  had  decided  long  before  upon  their  plan  of 
action,  so  that  no  time  was  now  lost  in  consultation. 
Kit  and  five  of  his  men  began  slowly  creeping  toward 
their  horses.  This  was  anything  but  a  pleasant  occupa- 
tion, for  the  snow,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  deep  on  the 
ground ;  but  such  veterans  cared  nothing  for  a  trifle  like 
that,  and  they  speedily  reached  their  animals. 

Such  an  attempt  is  always  a  dangerous  one,  for  the 
horse  of  the  Indian  or  \vliitc  hunter  often  proves  his 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  33 

most  skilful  sentinel.  He  is  able  to  detect  the  stealthy 
approach  of  a  scout,  long  before  the  straining  ear  of  his 
master  can  catch  the  slightest  sound.  If  the  beasts 
should  become  frightened  by  the  shadowy  figures  crawl- 
ing over  the  snow,  they  would  be  likely  to  alarm  the 
camp;  but  Carson  and  his  companions  managed  it  so 
well  that  there  was  not  a  single  neigh  or  stamp  of  a 
hoof. 

Silently  rising  to  their  feet,  they  cut  the  halters  which 
held  the  horses  fast,  and  then,  withdrawing  a  slight  dis- 
tance, began  throwing  snowballs  at  them.  These  feathery 
missiles  fell  among  and  struck  against  them,  until,  to 
escape  the  mimic  bombardment  they  moved  out  the 
wood  altogether,  where  they  were  taken  charge  by  the 
others  who  were  waiting.  All  this  was  accomplished 
without  attracting  the  attention  of  a  single  Indian. 

Having  met  with  such  success,  common  prudence  and 
sense  suggested  that  the  trappers  should  make  all  haste 
to  their  own  comfortable  quarters,  so  many  long  miles 
away;  but  they  had  scarcely  joined  each  other  when  they 
fell  into  an  earnest  discussion  as  to  what  the  next  step 
should  be. 

Some  were  in  favor  of  withdrawing  with  the  least  pos- 
sible delay,  but  Kit  Carson  and  a  couple  of  daring  spirits 
were  bent  on  going  back  and  punishing  the  thieves  who 
had  given  them  so  much  trouble.  As  they  could  not  be 
argued  out  of  their  purpose,  the  others,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  agreed  to  give  them  their  aid. 


34  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Three  of  the  trappers  were  sent  to  take  the  recaptured 
animals  to  where  the  saddle  horses  were  secured  while 
the  others  advanced  directly  upon  the  Indian  camp. 
They  moved  cautiously  as  was  their  custom  and  were 
almost  upon  the  Crows,  when  one  of  their  dogs  gave 
notice  of  danger  by  a  vigorous  barking.  On  the  instant, 
the  warriors  leaped  to  their  feet  and  the  fight  opened. 
So  many  of  the  Indians  were  shot  down  and  the  advan- 
tage was  so  strongly  against  them,  that  the  survivors 
hastily  ran  into  the  nearest  fort,  from  which  they  returned 
the  fire  of  their  assailants.  The  latter,  however,  had 
stationed  themselves  behind  trees,  where  they  were  safe 
against  the  whistling  bullets,  and  in  their  attack  they 
threw  away  very  few  shots  indeed. 

It  began  growing  light  in  the  east,  and,  as  soon  as  the 
Crows  discovered  how  few  composed  the  besieging  force, 
they  in  turn  became  the  assailants,  and  rushed  out  of 
their  fort  with  their  frightful  war-whoops,  but  they  were 
met  by  such  a  destructive  fire  that  they  skurried  back 
again. 

The  second  attack  of  the  savages  was  so  furious  that  the 
trappers  were  forced  to  fall  back,  but  the  reserve,  as  it 
may  be  called,  speedily  joined  them,  and  once  more 
drove  the  Indians  into  their  fort.  Several  of  the  whites 
had  been  wounded  though  not  dangerously,  and  both 
parties  having  had  enough  of  fighting,  the  battle  ended. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  British  and  American  Trapper — Hunting  on  the  Laramie — 
The  Deserters — The  Vain  Pursuit — Arrival  of  Friends — The 
Return  Journey — The  Night  Alarm — The  Attack  Upon  the 
Camp — Pursuit  and  Recovery  of  Horses. 

A  HALF  century  ago  the  vast  region  beyond  the  Rocky 
Mountains  was  comparatively  unknown  and  unexplored. 
Its  general  features  of  course  were  understood,  but  the 
interior  was  like  the  central  portion  of  Australia  or  Africa. 
Clarke  and  Lewis  made  their  famous  expedition  to  Ore- 
gon during  the  early  days  of  the  century,  and  helped  to 
turn  general  attention  in  that  direction.  Its  growth  and 
development  since  then  is  one  of  the  wonders  of  the  age. 

But  there  was  one  class  (if  the  word  may  be  used), 
who  never  hesitated  to  penetrate  the  wildest  and  most 
dangerous  recesses  of  the  far  West  and  Northwest :  those 
were  the  hunters  and  trappers.  As  we  have  already 
stated,  the  employes  of  the  venerable  and  all-embrac- 
ing Hudson  Bay  Company  ranged  over  British  America 
and  through  Oregon,  to  which  vast  territory  they  pos^ 
sessed  the  clear  legal  right,  besides  which  they  and  the 
trappers  of  the  American  Fur  Company  frequently  tres- 
passed on  each  others  reserves,  and  not  infrequently 
came  in  bloody  collision  with  each  other. 

Far  to  the  northward,  the  Indian  drove  his  birch  canoe 

35 


36  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

across  the  silent  Athabasca  and  Great  Bear  Lakes,  on 
his  way  with  his  peltries  to  the  distant  factory  or  post 
of  the  Company ;  along  the  frozen  shores  of  the  lone 
Mackenzie  (the  only  American  river  flowing  into  the 
Arctic  Ocean),  the  trapper  glided  on  his  snow  shoes,  or 
with  his  sturdy  dogs  and  sleigh,  fought  his  way  over  the 
snowy  wastes  of  Prince  Rupert's  Land ;  the  brigades  in 
their  boats  rounded  the  curves  of  the  Saskatchewan, 
keeping  time  with  their  paddles  to  their  own  cheery 
songs ;  their  camp  fires  were  kindled  in  the  land  of  the 
Assiniboine  and  they  set  their  traps  in  the  wildest 
recesses  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  where  the  whirling 
snow  storms  almost  carried  them  off  their  feet;  but  north 
of  the  dividing  line,  the  hunters  had  little  if  anything  to 
fear  from  the  red  men.  Though  they  encountered  in  the 
loneliest  and  most  desolate  distant  regions,  they  gener- 
ally met  and  seperated  as  friends.  Among  the  perils  of 
the  trapper's  life  in  British  America  was  not  reckoned 
that  from  the  hostile  natives. 

It  was  far  different  within  our  own  territory.  Those 
who  left  our  frontier  States  and  pushed  westward,  and 
those  who  penetrated  northward  and  eastward  from  the 
Mexican  country,  knew  they  were  invading  the  hunting 
grounds  of  the  fiercest  Indians  on  the  American  conti- 
nent. We  have  already  told  enough  to  show  the  intense 
hostility  of  the  red  men  ;  between  them  and  the  hunters 
and  trappers  raged  a  war  that  never  ceased  or  slackened, 
except  when  policy  held  it  for  a  time  in  check. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  37 

The  little  group  of  horsemen,  who  rode  out  from  Inde- 
pendence or  Westport,  or  who  took  steamer  at  St.  Louis 
up  the  Missouri,  often  came  back  with  several  of  their 
number  missing.  Up  among  the  mountains,  they  had 
gone  out  to  visit  their  traps  and  had  never  come  back  to 
camp.  The  lurking  Blackfoot,  or  Sioux,  or  Crow,  had 
aimed  all  too  well,  and,  as  he  bounded  whooping  away, 
he  swung  aloft  the  scalp  of  his  victim  whose  trapping 
days  were  ended  forever. 

After  recovering  their  horses  from  the  band  of  Crows, 
Carson  and  his  companions  returned  to  camp,  where  they 
remained  until  spring,  when  they  cached  their  furs  and 
made  their  way  to  the  Laramie  River  on  another  hunt- 
ing expedition.  While  thus  employed,  a  couple  of  the 
men  deserted  taking  several  of  the  best  animals.  Kit 
Carson  and  a  single  companion  were  sent  in  pursuit,  the 
rascals  having  a  good  day's  start.  A  desperate  fight 
was  sure  to  follow  a  meeting  between  the  parties,  for 
Carson  would  never  forgive  such  treachery,  and  the 
deserters  were  not  the  ones  to  permit  themselves  to  be 
despoiled  of  their  booty  without  doing  their  utmost  to 
prevent  it. 

It  was  suspected  that  they  were  on  their  way  to  the 
place  where  the  beaver  had  been  cached ;  and  disregard- 
ing the  trail,  therefore  Carson  made  all  haste  thither.  It 
need  not  be  said  that  he  lost  no  time  on  the  road,  but 
when  he  reached  their  old  camp,  he  found  the  deserters 


$8  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARS  OX. 

had  preceded  him.  They  had  stolen  several  thousand 
dollars  worth  of  furs  and  departed. 

Carson  was  more  anxious  than  ever  to  overtake  the 
scoundrels.  He  and  his  companion  made  diligent  search, 
but  failed  utterly  to  find  them.  They  were  never  seen 
or  heard  of  again,  and  Carson  was  convinced  they  had 
fallen  victims  to  the  Indians  who  in  turn  made  off  with 
the  stolen  peltries. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  Kit  and  his  friend  were 
several  hundred  miles  from  the  main  body  of  hunters, 
and  in  one  of  the  most  dangerous  countries  they  had 
ever  visited.  So  dangerous,  indeed,  did  they  consider  an 
attempt  to  return  to  them,  that  they  decided  not  to  make 
it,  but  to  stay  in  the  old  camp.  Inasmuch  as  it  would 
be  impossible  to  keep  their  presence  from  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Indians,  they  threw  up  some  rude  fortifica- 
tions and  never  relaxed  their  vigilance.  When  Carson 
wrapped  his  blanket  around  him,  and  lay  down  to  rest, 
he  knew  his  companion  was  on  guard  and  would  not 
slumber.  It  was  the  same  with  his  friend,  their  watch- 
fulness undoubtedly  preventing  the  attack  which  scarcely 
could  have  failed  to  be  effectual. 

It  was  needful  now  and  then  that  one  of  them  should 
venture  out  to  procure  game,  but  that  was  so  plentiful 
that  he  was  never  compelled  to  go  far,  and  he  used  such 
extreme  care  that  he  was  not  even  so  much  as  fired 
upon. 

Thus  the  time  passed,  until  at  the  end  of  several  weeks, 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  39 

the  hunters  were  surprised  and  delighted  by  the  arrival 
of  more  than  a  dozen  men  on  their  way  with  a  complete 
outfit  to  join  the  main  body.  Carson  and  his  friend 
were  glad  enough  to  go  with  them  and  the  long  journey 
was  begun.  They  had  not  gone  far,  when  they 
exchanged  shots  with  hostiles  and  there  were  almost 
daily  skirmishes  with  them.  By  sunset  they  had  trav- 
elled a  long  distance,  and  went  into  camp,  feeling  cer- 
tain that  though  Indians  had  not  shown  themselves,  they 
were  in  the  vicinity.  To  prevent  a  stampede  of  their 
animals,  the  long  ropes  around  their  necks  were  fastened 
to  stakes  driven  deep  into  the  earth.  This  arrangement 
allowed  them  to  graze  over  sufficient  ground  and  opposed 
an  almost  insuperable  obstacle  to  the  success  of  the  dusky 
thieves  prowling  around. 

It  was  yet  early  in  the  evening  when  one  of  the  dogs 
belonging  to  the  camp  began  barking.  A  score  of  causes 
might  have  caused  this  but  Carson  believed  the  incite- 
ment in  that  instance  was  the  one  most  dreaded.  Sev- 
eral men  were  added  to  the  guard  and  the  rest  lay  down, 
too  uneasy  to  gain  much  slumber,  however. 

The  trappers  were  right  in  their  suspicion  that  savages 
were  near  but  they  could  not  have  failed  to  note  what 
precautions  had  been  taken  by  the  whites  against  sur- 
prise and  they  withdrew  without  molesting  them. 

The  party  were  in  a  beaver  country,  and  Carson  and 
three  of  his  men  went  up  the  stream  some  distance  to 
learn  whether  it  was  worth  their  while  to  set  the  traps. 


40  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

They  had  not  been  gone  long  when  a  party  of  Indians, 
who  were  probably  awaiting  such  an  opportunity, 
charged  upon  the  camp  and  drove  off  all  the  loose  horses. 
Four  of  the  hunters  in-stantly  saddled  the  swiftest  of  those 
remaining  and  started  in  hot  pursuit.  So  hot  indeed 
was  the  pursuit  that  they  speedily  came  up  with  the 
marauders  and  opened  a  running  fight.  One  of  the 
hunters  was  badly  wounded,  while  a  warrior  was  shot 
from  his  horse  pitching  headlong  to  the  earth  with  a 
screech  of  agony.  The  remaining  ones  were  pressed  so 
hard  that  they  were  glad  enough  to  abandon  the  property 
which  came  back  to  the  rightful  owners,  probably  before 
an  animal  was  able  to  comprehend  what  had  taken  place. 

The  promptness  and  daring  of  the  hunters  had  pre- 
vented a  serious  loss,  and  though  one  of  their  number 
was  severely  hurt,  his  wound  was  not  mortal.  It  may 
be  said  that  he  suffered  much  but  fully  recovered  in  time. 
Men  with  such  iron  constitutions  and  rugged  frames  ral- 
lied from  injuries  that  would  have  swept  off  those  accus- 
tomed to  less  stirring  lives. 

Having  righted  matters,  so  far  as  possible,  the  trap- 
pers picketed  their  horses  and  awaited  the  return  of 
Carson  and  his  companions.  They  were  much  disturbed 
by  fears  for  their  safety,  as  in  truth  they  had  good  cause 
to  be. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

An  Unexpected  Meeting — The  Ambush — A  Daring  and  Perilous 
Ride— Return  to  Camp — Disappointments — The  Beaver. 

MEANWHILE  the  Indians  made  it  exceedingly  lively  for 
Kit  Carson  and  his  three  companions. 

The  latter  had  heard  so  much  of  the  abundance  of 
beavers  in  a  certain  section  that  they  determined  to  visit 
it  and  make  a  thorough  exploration.  To  do  this,  it  was 
necessary  to  ride  over  a  lofty  Rocky  Mountain  peak  or 
take  many  hours  to  pass  around  it.  Very  naturally  they 
concluded  to  "  cut  across  lots,"  confident  of  their  ability 
to  take  care  of  themselves,  no  matter  what  danger  threat- 
ened. 

The  ascent  proved  very  exhausting  to  men  and  ani- 
mals, for  the  trappers  did  not  compel  the  weary  beasts  to 
bear  them  up  the  steep  slope  where  it  tired  them  to  force 
their  own  way.  They  rested  many  times,  but  finally 
accomplished  the  ascent  and  passed  over  into  the  valley 
beyond.  There,  disappointment  awaited  them.  The 
most  careful  search  failed  to  show  the  first  sign  of  a 
beaver  and  they  had  their  labor  for  their  pains. 

The  toil  of  climbing  the  mountain  peak  was  so  severe 
that  the  hunters  concluded  to  take  the  longer  route  home. 
Their  steeds  had  been  pushed  so  hard,  that  they  were 
permitted  to  set  their  own  pace  on  the  return.  This  nai- 

41 


42  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOA\ 

urally  enough  was  a  deliberate  walk,  while  their  riders 
talked,  laughed,  jested  and  occasionally  made  some 
remark  on  the  magnificent  scenery  by  which  they  were 
surrounded.  There  was  no  call  for  haste,  and  they  knew 
nothing  of  what  had  taken  place  in  camp  after  their 
departure ;  otherwise,  they  might  have  felt  more  impa- 
tience to  rejoin  their  friends. 

All  at  once,  the  hunters  descried  four  Indian  warriors 
in  the  path  in  front.  They  were  splendidly  mounted, 
their  hair  ornamented  with  stained  eagle  feathers,  their 
ugly  countenances  daubed  with  yellow,  black  and  crimson 
paint,  and  they  were  fully  armed.  Their  appearance 
showed  they  were  on  the  war  path. 

Such  undoubtedly  being  the  case,  a  sight  of  the  braves 
was  a  challenge  to  the  hunters  who  accepted  it  without  a 
second's  hesitation. 

Pausing  not  a  moment  to  consult  on  their  plan  of 
action,  Kit  and  his  companions  spurred  their  horses  to  a 
dead  run,  with  the  purpose  of  bringing  them  within 
range  of  their  rifles,  but  the  steeds  of  the  dusky  foes 
were  fleet  of  foot  and  they  sped  away  like  the  wind. 

The  pursuit  was  a  furious  one,  until  the  flying  fugitives 
shot  by  a  hill,  when  more  than  fifty  warriors  similarly 
mounted  and  accoutred,  dashed  out  to  intercept  the 
enthusiastic  hunters.  Just  then  it  dawned  upon  Kit  and 
his  companions  that  the  whole  proceeding  was  a  trap 
arranged  by  the  Indians  into  which  he  and  his  friends 
had  dashed  at  headlong  speed, 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  43 

It  was  in  such  crises  that  Kit  Carson  displayed  his 
marvelous  resources  and  lightning-like  perception  of  the 
best  course  to  adopt.  The  discovery  of  the  ambush 
would  have  thrown  almost  any  company  of  men,  no  mat- 
ter how  brave  into  a  panic,  or  at  least  into  temporary 
confusion  which  would  have  been  equally  disastrous. 
Most  probably  they  would  have  reined  up  or  wheeled 
about  and  fled  in  the  opposite  direction.  The  whole  band 
would  have  dashed  in  pursuit  and  the  running  fight 
between  four  men  and  more  than  twelve  times  their  num- 
ber, every  one  of  whom  it  is  fair  to  presume  was  thor- 
oughly familiar  with  the  country,  could  have  resulted  in 
but  one  way.  Skilled  and  daring  as  were  Carson  and  his 
comrades,  they  could  not  accomplish  the  impossible,  as 
they  would  have  had  to  do  in  order  to  escape  the  yelling 
band  behind  them. 

Kit  was  slightly  in  advance  of  the  others,  and  he  did 
not  check  his  animal  in  the  least.  On  the  contrary,  he 
urged  him  to  his  utmost,  and  the  four  sped  straight  ahead 
on  a  dead  run,  seemingly  as  if  they  meant  to  charge  the 
entire  war  party. 

Such,  however,  was  not  their  intention  :  they  shied  off 
as  much  as  they  could,  and,  throwing  themselves  forward 
and  over  the  side  of  their  horses,  ran  the  terrible  gaunt- 
let. No  one  of  the  trappers  fired  a  shot,  for  if  dismounted 
by  the  bullets  of  their  enemies,  each  wished  to  have  his 
loaded  rifle  in  hand,  with  which  to  make  his  last  defense. 

The    very   audacity   of    the   movement   amazed   the 


44  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOK. 

Indians.  By  the  time  they  comprehended  what  the  white 
men  were  doing,  they  were  thundering  in  front  of  them. 
Then  the  warriors  opened  fire,  and  the  bullets  whistled 
about  the  horses  and  riders,  who  kept  their  steeds  to  the 
highest  bent  and  finally  passed  beyond  danger — their 
escape  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  on  record. 

The  Indians  did  not  pursue  the  hunters,  two  of  whom 
had  been  struck  by  their  bullets,  and  Carson  and  his 
friends  drew  their  horses  down  to  a  more  moderate  pace. 
The  great  scout  admitted  that  he  was  never  more  utterly 
deceived  and  entrapped  by  the  red  man  in  all  his  life. 
But  he  saw  in  the  occurrence  a  deeper  significance  than 
appeared  on  the  surface.  The  ambush  into  which  he  and 
his  friends  had  been  led  was  only  a  part  of  the  campaign 
against  the  entire  party,  who,  weakened  by  the  absence  of 
Carson  and  his  companions  were  likely  to  fall  victims  to 
such  a  large  band  of  warriors.  Trembling  with  fear  for 
their  comrades,  they  again  forced  their  animals  to  a  high 
speed  and  lost  no  time  in  making  their  way  back  to 
camp.  They  found  everything  in  good  shape,  much  to 
their  relief,  and  were  not  at  all  surprised  to  learn  of  the 
visit  that  had  been  made  by  the  savages  during  the 
absence  of  Kit  and  his  companions. 

The  wounds  of  the  two  trappers  who  were  shot  while 
running  the  fiery  gauntlet,  were  found  to  be  of  such  a 
serious  nature  that  the  party  had  not  gone  far  when  they 
were  obliged  to  go  into  camp  again.  One  of  them  espe- 
cially, was  in  such  a  bad  way  that  it  was  found  necessary 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  45 

to  carry  him  on  a  litter  until  the  main  camp  was  reached. 
There  he  was  allowed  to  rest  and  everything  possible  was 
done  to  make  him  comfortable.  When  he  had  fully 
recovered,  the  entire  company  headed  for  Old  Park,  once 
famous  on  account  of  the  immense  numbers  of  beavers 
found  there.  Disappointment,  however,  awaited  them, 
for  other  trappers  had  preceded  them,  and  made  such 
thorough  work  that  it  was  useless  for  the  last  arrivals  to 
unload  and  set  their  traps. 

The  party  visited  other  sections  but  in  every  instance 
they  appeared  to  be  "a  day  too  late  for  the  fair : "  the 
beaver  runs  had  been  worked  so  thoroughly  by  others 
that  it  was  useless  for  them  to  expect  success. 

The  beaver,  as  the  reader  probably  knows,  aside  from 
its  great  value  in  producing  fur  and  perfume,  possesses  a 
most  wonderful  instinct.  They  live  in  communities  and 
prefer  to  build  their  houses  by  small  clear  rivers  and 
creeks  or  close  to  springs.  Sometimes  they  are  found  on 
the  banks  of  lakes. 

The  dams  which  they  construct  with  the  skill  of  a  pro- 
fessional civil  engineer,  are  built  for  the  purpose  of  mak- 
ing sure  of  a  full  supply  of  water  at  all  times  and  seasons. 
These  dams  are  composed  of  stones,  mud  and  tree 
branches,  the  base  being  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  thickness 
sloping  gradually  upward  to  the  summit. 

In  building  their  dams,  the  beaver  does  not  thrust 
the  ends  of  the  stakes  into  the  bed  of  the  river,  but  lays 
them  down  horizontally,  holding  them  in  place  by  piling 


46  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

mud  and  stones  upon  them.  The  logs  which  compose 
the  dams  are  mostly  from  six  to  eight  inches  in  diameter, 
though  some  have  been  found  nearly  two  feet  through. 
The  enormous  number  of  such  logs  used  may  be  imag- 
ined perhaps,  when  the  ponderous  character  of  the  dams 
is  remembered,  and  when  it  is  stated  that  some  of  them 
are  more  than  an  eighth  of  a  mile  wide.  Every  log,  after 
being  gnawed  off  the  proper  length,  is  stripped  of  its 
bark  which  is  stored  away  for  use  as  food  during  the 
winter. 

The  lodges  of  the  beavers  are  composed  principally  of 
mud,  moss  and  branches,  circular  in  shape,  the  space 
within  being  seven  feet  in  width  and  about  half  as  high. 
The  walls  are  so  thick  that  on  the  outside  the  correspond- 
ing dimensions  are  nearly  three  times  as  great  as  within. 
The  roof  is  finished  off  with  a  thick  layer  of  mud,  laid  on 
with  wonderful  smoothness  and  renewed  every  year. 
The  severe  frosts  of  winter  freeze  the  lodge  into  such  a 
solid  structure  that  the  beaver  is  safe  against  the  wolver- 
ine, which  is  unable  to  break  through  the  wall,  resem- 
bling the  adobe  structures  found  in  Mexico  and  the 
South-west.  Even  the  trapper  who  attempts  to  demolish 
one  of  the  structures  finds  it  tiresome  labor,  even  with 
the  help  of  iron  implements. 

The  beavers  excavate  a  ditch  around  their  lodges  too 
deep  to  be  frozen.  Into  this  opens  all  their  dwellings,  the 
door  being  far  below  the  surface,  so  that  free  ingress  and 
egress  are  secured, 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARS  OX.  47 

The  half-dozen  beavers  occupying  a  lodge  arrange 
their  beds  against  the  wall,  each  separate  from  the 
other,  while  the  centre  of  the  chamber  is  unoccupied. 
During  summer  they  secure  their  stock  of  food  by  gnaw- 
ing down  hundreds  of  trees  the  trunks  or  limbs  of  which 
are  sunk  and  fastened  in  some  peculiar  manner  to  the 
bottom  of  the  stream.  During  the  winter  when  the 
beaver  feels  hungry,  he  dives  down,  brings  up  one  of  the 
logs,  drags  it  to  a  suitable  spot  and  nibbles  off  the  bark. 

It  is  impossible  fully  to  understand  how  this  remarka- 
ble animal  does  its  work,  for  as  it  never  toils  in  the  day 
time,  it  is  out  of  the  power  of  any  one  to  watch  its 
method. 

The  peculiar  odoriferous  substance,  secreted  in  two 
glandular  sacs  near  the  root  of  the  tail,  is  "  castoreum," 
more  generally  known  as  "  bark-stone  "  among  the  trap- 
pers. The  odor  is  powerful  and  is  so  attractive  to  the 
animals  themselves,  that  the  trapper  has  only  to  smear 
some  of  it  near  the  trap  which  is  hidden  under  water. 
Any  beaver  which  catches  the  scent,  is  sure  to  hasten  to 
the  spot  and  is  almost  certain  to  be  caught  in  the  trap. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Carson  and  two  Companions  set  out  on  a  Trapping  Expedition  of 
Their  Own — They  Meet  With  Great  Success — Is  Engaged  by 
Captain  Lee — Carson's  Pursuit  of  an  Indian  Thief. 

KIT  Carson  finally  grew  tired  of  wandering  over  the 
country  without  gaining  sight  of  a  beaver.  He  proposed 
to  two  of  his  companions  that  they  start  on  a  private 
expedition  of  their  own.  They  were  as  disgusted  as  he 
and  eagerly  agreed  to  the  proposition. 

The  employers  of  the  men  commended  the  enterprise 
of  the  little  company  and  gave  them  their  best  wishes. 
Cordial  farewells  were  exchanged  all  around,  and  Kit  and 
his  comrades  left  the  camp  on  their  perilous  errand. 

On  this  occasion,  as  on  innumerable  other  ones,  Car- 
son showed  most  excellent  judgment.  His  scheme  was 
to  keep  entirely  to  the  streams  never  once  venturing 
upon  the  plains.  Several  advantages  were  likely  to  flow 
from  this  course.  During  the  summer  season  the  moun- 
tain Indians  generally  placed  their  woman  and  children 
in  charge  of  the  old  men  and  a  few  warriors  and  came 
down  from  their  retreats  to  engage  in  hunting  bison  or 
in  marching  on  the  war  path.  Occasionally  they  are  at 
peace  with  the  Indians  of  the  plains,  which  was  a  bad 
thing  for  the  Mexican  settlements,  for  they  left  a  track  of 
desolation  among  them. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  49 

Few  of  the  trappers  ventured  far  into  the  mountains, 
where  game  was  abundant,  so  that  Carson  was  confident 
of  finding  plenty  of  beavers.  In  this  he  was  not  mis- 
taken. The  fur  bearing  animals  seemed  to  be  overrun- 
ing  the  country,  while  the  Indians  acted  not  only  as  if 
unaware  of  the  fact  but  as  if  entirely  ignorant  of  the 
little  party  of  visitors,  who,  making  hay  while  the  sun 
shines,  were  not  long  in  finding  themselves  with  as  large 
a  supply  as  they  could  carry  home. 

This  was  the  ordeal  more  to  be  dreaded  than  all  the 
others.  While  on  their  way  to  the  beaver-runs,  they  had 
nothing  to  do  beyond  taking  care  of  themselves ;  but 
now  their  valuable  peltries  were  liable  to  be  captured  by 
the  Indians,  who  could  compel  their  abandmonment  by 
pressing  the  owners  hard. 

But  extreme  and  altogether  unexpected  good  fortune 
attended  them,  and  they  reached  Taos,  without  receiving 
a  scratch  or  losing  a  fur.  They  found  on  arriving  at 
that  quaint  town,  that  there  was  great  demand  for  pel- 
tries and  prices  were  correspondingly  high.  They  sold 
out  their  stock  for  a  very  liberal  price,  and  Kit's  friends, 
despite  his  advice,  went  on  a  carousal  which  soon  squan- 
dered all  their  hard-earned  wages.  Kit  himself,  how- 
ever, had  not  lost  the  lesson  he  learned  under  somewhat 
similiar  circumstances,  and  he  laid  away  his  funds,  against 
the  proverbial  rainy  day. 

By  this  time  the  character  of  Carson  was  fairly  formed. 
He  was  resolute,  self-reliant,  sober,  thoughtful,  cool- 
4 


$0  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

headed,  wonderfully  quick  to  grasp  all  the  points  of  a 
situation,  chivalrous,  agile  as  a  panther,  a  perfect  master 
of  woodcraft,  and  withal,  charmingly  modest. 

While  Carson  was  in  Taos,  waiting  for  some  favorable 
opening  to  present  itself,  he  met  Captain  Lee,  formerly 
of  the  United  States  Army,  but  who  was  then  a  member 
of  the  firm  of  Bent  &  St.  Vrain,  engaged  for  so  many 
years  in  furnishing  supplies  to  those  who  visited  the 
mountains  and  plains.  Captain  Lee  at  that  time  was 
thus  employed  and  knowing  the  value  of  a  man  like  Car- 
son, he  made  him  so  liberal  an  offer  that  he  accepted  it 
on  the  spot. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1832,  with  a  train  of  mules  loaded 
with  such  goods  as  were  needed  by  trappers,  Captain 
Lee,  Carson  and  a  number  of  men  started  northward  to 
find  their  purchasers.  They  followed  the  well-worn  mule 
path  leading  from  New  Mexico  to  California  and  which 
had  been  known  for  years  as  the  "  Old  Spanish  Trail." 

They  reached  White  River  without  mishap,  and  made 
their  way  down  it  until  Green  River  was  forded,  when 
they  struck  across  the  country  to  Winty  River,  where 
they  came  upon  a  party  of  twenty  hunters,  who  were 
engaged  in  trading  and  trapping  as  opportunity  offered. 
They  affiliated  at  once,  for  there  is  something  in  the  pres- 
ence of  a  common  danger  which  draws  men  closely 
together. 

The  weather  became  very  cold  and  snow  began  to 
fall.  It  was  decided,  therefore,  to  go  into  winter  quarters 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  51 

near  the  mouth  of  Winty  River.  There  they  erected 
skin  lodges,  such  as  are  used  by  many  tribes  of  Ameri- 
can Indians,  and  were  content  to  wait  the  coming  of 
spring. 

The  skill  and  address  of  Carson  seemed  to  create  a  call 
for  his  services,  no  matter  where  he  happened  to  be,  and 
it  was  not  long  before  he  became  involved  in  a  most 
remarkable  adventure. 

Among  the  employes  of  the  other  party,  was  a  shrewd 
civilized  Indian,  who  was  held  in  high  regard  by  the 
whites  on  account  of  his  native  keenness,  and  who  stood 
well  in  the  confidence  of  his  employer ;  but  one  day  he 
disappeared,  simultaneously  with  several  of  the  very  best 
horses.  The  circumstances  were  such  that  there  could 
be  no  doubt  the  two  occurrences  were  inseparably  con- 
nected. 

The  loss  was  too  serious  to  be  borne,  and  the  angered 
leader  of  the  other  company  (though  he  had  not  the 
least  claim  upon  young  Carson),  appealed  to  him  to  help 
him  to  recover  his  property.  Carson  said  he  was  per- 
fectly willing,  provided  Captain  Lee  would  give  his  con- 
sent, and  as  the  Captain  was  more  willing  to  help  his 
friend,  he  directed  Carson  to  do  as  he  saw  fit. 

The  matchless  hunter  made  sure  his  weapons  were  in 
the  best  order,  and,  mounting  one  of  the  fleetest  horses 
in  camp,  he  waved  a  merry  farewell  to  his  friends  and 
galloped  off.  He  had  not  ridden  far  when  he  turned  off 
toward  an  Indian  village,  whose  people  were  on  friendly 


52  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

terms  with  the  hunters,  and,  riding  directly  among  the  red 
men,  whose  lingo  he  understood,  he  asked  for  one  of  their 
bravest  warriors  to  join  him  in  hunting  down  a  Califor- 
nia Indian  that  had  run  off  with  their  best  horses. 

Such  a  request  coming  from  any  other  hunter  would 
have  received  little  notice;  but  those  dusky  barbarians 
not  only  knew  Carson  by  name,  but  looked  upon  him  as 
the  greatest  white  warrior  they  had  ever  seen.  He  could 
have  secured  a  score  of  braves  had  he  wanted  them,  but 
he  desired  only  one — a  sinewy,  daring  fellow  whom  he 
knew  could  be  relied  on  in  any  emergency.  This 
Indian  required  no  more  time  than  Carson  himself  to 
make  ready,  and,  shortly  after  Kit's  arrival  in  the  village, 
he  rode  forth  again  with  his  faithful  friend  at  his  elbow. 

It  was  impossible  for  the  thief  to  conceal  the  trail  of 
the  stolen  horses  and  he  made  no  attempt  to  do  so.  A 
slight  examination  showed  the  pursuers  that  it  led  down 
the  Green  River,  the  general  course  being  such  that  Car- 
son was  confident  the  thief  was  making  for  California — 
a  long  distance  away. 

As  the  fugitive  was  well  mounted  and  all  his  horses 
were  fleet,  and  as  he  must  have  been  quite  certain  he 
would  be  pursued,  he  lost  no  time  on  the  road.  The 
trail  showed  he  was  going  at  a  full  gallop,  and,  under  the 
most  favorable  circumstances,  the  chase  was  sure  to  be  a 
long  one. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A  Hot  Pursuit — An  Unexpected  Calamity — Carson  Continues  the 
Chase  Alone— The  Result. 

EVERYTHING  now  depended  on  speed.  Not  only  was 
the  dusky  thief  pushing  his  animals  to  the  utmost,  but 
Kit  Carson  knew  he  would  give  them  little  rest  night  or 
day.  He  was  familiar  with  the  route  to  California  and 
the  pursuit  would  be  no  child's  play. 

There  could  be  no  doubt,  however,  of  the  destination 
of  the  red-skin,  and  Carson  and  his  brave  warrior  were 
equally  persistent  with  their  horses.  The  ground  flew 
beneath  their  hoofs.  Across  the  stretch  of  prairie,  along 
the  bank  of  the  rushing  streams,  around  the  rocks,  over 
mountains,  through  torrents,  they  forced  their  way,  with 
no  thought  of  turning  back  or  checking  the  speed  of  their 
animals.  Occasionally  the  bright  eyes  of  the  pursuers 
glanced  at  the  ground  in  front,  when  the  displaced  gravel 
or  the  indentation  in  the  soft  earth  showed  they  had  not 
lost  the  trail. 

In  this  headlong  fashion  the  friends  galloped  forward 
until  they  had  placed  a  full  hundred  miles  behind  them. 
They  were  a  long  distance  from  home  and  camp,  but  in 
spite  of  the  speed  of  the  fugitive,  Carson  was  confident 
they  had  gained  considerably  upon  him.  If  everything 
went  well,  they  ought  to  catch  sight  of  him  on  the  mor- 

53 


54  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

row.  At  this  juncture,  when  the  prospect  was  so 
encouraging,  an  unlocked  for  calamity  occurred. 

Carson's  steed  stood  the  great  strain  admirably,  but 
the  one  bestrode  by  the  Indian  succumbed.  He  sud- 
denly slackened  his  pace,  staggered  and  trembled  so 
violently,  that,  when  the  warrior  leaped  from  his  back, 
he  saw  he  was  fearfully  ill.  If  he  did  not  die,  he  would 
not  recover'  for  hours  and  even  then  could  not  be  forced 
hard. 

Carson  contemplated  the  situation  with  dismay.  He 
had  not  counted  on  anything  like  this,  and  the  help  of 
the  Indian  was  beyond  all  price  to  him.  He  was 
unusually  strong,  active  and  experienced,  and  would  not 
hesitate  to  attack  any  person  single  handed. 

Seeing  the  condition  of  the  exhausted  steed,  Kit  pro- 
posed to  his  dusky  companion  that  he  should  abandon 
him  and  continue  the  pursuit  on  foot,  but  the  brave  shook 
his  head.  He  was  equal  to  the  exploit  of  running  ten  or 
twenty  miles  at  a  high  pace,  but  a  great  deal  more  was 
likely  to  be  required  and  he  needed  all  his  powers  when 
the  shock  of  the  battle  should  come.  He  not  only 
refused  to  continue  the  chase,  but,  knowing  the  character 
of  the  thief,  tried  to  dissuade  Carson  from  going  further. 
They  had  certainly  done  all  that  could  be  asked  of  them 
and  no  one  could  find  fault  if,  in  the  face  of  such  diffi- 
culty, they  should  withdraw  and  return  to  their  friends. 

"  No,"  said  Carson,  "  I  have  set  out  to  recover  those 
horses  and  nothing  shall  turn  me  back.  I  am  sorry  to 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  55 

los*?  you,  but  it  can't  be  helped ;  so  good  bye  and  good 
luck  attend  you/' 

And  putting  spurs  to  his  steed,  he  dashed  over  the 
trail  with  compressed  lips  and  flashing  eye,  determined 
on  running  dovm  the  fugitive  if  he  had  to  follow  him  to 
the  bank  of  Die  Pacific  itself.  This  single  act  of  the 
famous  mouli'raineer  shows  his  character  in  its  true  light. 

In  the  f.r'Jt  place,  it  must  be  remembered  that  Kit 
Carson  v/a3  a  man  of  slight  figure  and  was  never  noted 
for  his  strength.  Many  of  his  companions  were  much 
more  powerful,  though  none  was  so  quick  and  active  in 
his  movements.  His  wonderful  success  lay  in  his  cool- 
ness, agility,  skill  and  bravery,  which  never  "  overleaped 
itself."  As  we  have  stated,  he  was  below  the  medium 
stature,  and  never  could  have  attained  a  tithe  of  his 
renown,  had  his  muscular  strength  formed  a  necessary 
part  of  his  requirements. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Indian  thief  whom  he  was 
pursuing,  was  exceptionally  powerful,  athletic  and  one 
of  the  most  desperate  men  on  the  whole  frontier.  He 
cared  nothing  for  Carson,  nor  for  any  single  member  of 
the  company  he  had  left.  He  would  expect  pursuit  and 
would  be  on  the  watch  for  it.  Whenever  he  caught 
sight  of  those  who  were  seeking  him,  he  would  not 
abandon  the  horses  and  flee.  Far  from  it :  he  would 
stand  his  ground,  and  if  his  booty  should  be  wrested 
from  him  the  men  who  did  it  would  be  compelled  to  the 
fiercest  kind  of  fight.  He  would  not  run  from  the 


56  T.TFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

attack  of  two  or  three  persons :  much  less  from  one  of 
the  most  insignificant  men  in  the  entire  company. 

The  course  of  Carson  illustrated  another  marked  feat- 
ure of  his  character — that  of  loyalty  to  his  friends  and 
resolution  in  carrying  through  any  task  he  undertook. 
Where  scarcely  one  man  in  a  multitude  would  have 
pushed  forward,  he  advanced  without  hesitation.  He 
deliberately  resolved  to  attack  a  fierce  criminal  who  was 
as  fully  armed  as  he,  as  daring  and  perfect  in  his  knowl- 
edge of  woodcraft,  and  much  his  superior  in  strength. 

Carson  had  proven  the  mettle  of  his  steed,  and  he  now 
showed  him  no  mercy.  The  trail  indicated  he  was  gain- 
ing rapidly  and  he  was  anxious  to  force  matters  to  an 
issue  before  night.  Among  the  horses  the  Indian  was 
running  off,  were  one  or  two  whose  endurance  was  less 
than  the  others.  Their  tardiness  moderated  the  pace  of 
the  rest,  and  thus  gave  Kit  a  chance  of  lessening  the  dis- 
tance between  him  and  the  fugitive. 

At  the  end  of  the  ten  miles  he  scanned  the  ground  in 
front,  but  nothing  was  seen  of  the  thief  or  his  horses ;  but 
the  hoof  prints  were  fresh  and  the  scout  knew  he  was 
closer  to  him  than  at  any  time  since  the  chase  began. 
The  flanks  of  his  steed  shone  with  perspiration  and  froth, 
but  it  would  not  do  to  lag  now.  The  lips  were  com- 
pressed and  the  gray  eye  flashed  fire  as  before. 

Ten  more  miles  were  speedily  thrown  behind  him,  and 
he  knew  he  was  not  far  from  the  dusky  desperado,  who 
doubtless  was  continually  glancing  backward  in  quest  of 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  5; 

pursuers ;  but  the  keen  vision  which  swept  around  every 
portion  of  the  visible  horizon,  discovered  no  sign  of  the 
thief. 

Carson  anticipated  some  attempt  on  the  part  of  the 
fugitive  to  confuse  pursuit  and  he,  therefore,  watched  the 
hoof  prints  more  closely  than  ever.  The  eagle  eye  con- 
tinually glanced  from  the  ground  to  the  country  in  front, 
and  then  to  the  right  and  left.  Nothing  escaped  his 
vision,  but  when  his  foamy  steed  had  thundered  over 
another  ten  miles  the  fugitive  was  still  beyond  sight. 

"  He  can't  be  far  off,"  was  the  thought  of  Carson, "  I'm 
bound  to  overtake  him  before  long " 

At  that  moment,  he  caught  sight  of  the  Indian  gallop- 
ing leisurely  forward,  amid  the  stolen  horses.  The  cun- 
ning savage,  as  the  scout  had  suspected,  was  constantly 
on  the  alert,  and  detected  Carson  the  same  moment  that 
he  himself  was  discovered.  Quick  as  a  flash,  he  leaped 
from  the  back  of  his  horses  and  started  on  a  swift  run 
for  a  clump  of  trees  between  him  and  his  pursuer.  The 
latter  understood  his  purpose  on  the  instant.  If  the 
Indian  could  secure  the  shelter  of  the  grove,  he  would 
have  his  enemy  at  his  mercy;  for  not  only  would  he  be 
able  to  protect  his  body,  while  loading  and  firing,  but 
Carson  himself,  being  in  an  open  space,  would  be  with- 
out the  slightest  protection  against  his  deadly  aim. 

Carson  cocked  his  rifle  and  driving  his  spurs  into  the 
flanks  of  his  high-spirited  steed,  charged  at  full  speed  for 


58  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  same  shelter.  Whoever  should  reach  it  first  would 
be  the  master. 

The  Indian  had  much  less  distance  to  run,  and  was  as 
fleet  of  foot  as  a  deer.  He  bounded  forward  with  such 
tremendous  strides,  that  while  the  horseman  was  still 
some  distance  away,  he  plunged  in  among  the  trees ;  but 
for  the  last  few  seconds  the  foes  had  approached  each 
other  at  a  terrific  pace,  a  result  that  was  not  only  inevi- 
table, but  desirable,  to  the  pursuer. 

The  very  second  the  savage  arrived  on  the  margin  of 
the  grove,  he  made  a  leap  for  the  nearest  tree  from 
behind  which  he  meant  to  shoot  his  enemy;  but  in  the 
very  act  of  doing  so,  he  was  smitten  by  his  bullet.  With- 
out checking  his  animal  in  the  slightest,  Carson  had 
aimed  and  fired. 

The  death-screech  of  the  savage  rang  out,  as  he  leaped 
in  the  air  and  tumbled  prostrate  to  the  earth,  killed  by 
the  shot  that  was  unerring  in  its  accuracy.  The  Indian 
himself  was  so  near  firing  his  gun,  that  his  piece  was  also 
discharged,  the  ball  whizzing  harmlessly  above  the  head 
of  his  pursuer.  A  couple  of  seconds  delay  on  the  part 
of  Carson  must  have  proved  fatal  to  him,  for  the  savage 
was  a  good  marksman,  and  was  standing  still,  with  such 
a  brief  space  intervening,  that  he  could  not  have  missed. 
It  is  hard  to  conceive  of  any  escape  more  narrow  than 
that  of  the  daring  mountaineer. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Carson  Returns  with  the  Recovered  Property — Journey  to  Snake 
River — Starts  on  a  Trapping  Expedition  with  Three  Compan- 
ions— Carson's  Stirring  Adventure  with  Two  Grizzly  Bears. 

CARSON  gathered  the  horses  together  and  set  out  on 
his  return.  The  distance  was  considerable  and  he  was 
compelled  to  encamp  more  than  once  on  the  road,  while 
he  was  continually  exposed  to  attack  from  Indians,  but 
with  that  remarkable  skill  and  foresight  which  distin- 
guished him  when  a  boy,  he  reached  home  without  the 
slightest  mishap  and  turned  over  the  recovered  animals 
to  their  owner. 

Some  days  later,  several  trappers  entered  camp  with 
the  statement  that  a  large  body  of  hunters  were  on  Snake 
River,  a  fortnight's  journey  distant.  Captain  Lee  at  once 
set  out  with  his  men  and  found  the  company  who  gave 
them  a  warm  welcome.  They  purchased  all  the  supplies 
Captain  Lee  had  for  sale,  and  then,  as  Carson's  engage- 
ment with  the  Captain  was  ended,  he  attached  himself  to 
the  other  body.  He  remained,  however,  only  a  few 
weeks,  for  he  saw  there  were  so  many  that  they  could 
never  take  enough  peltries  to  bring  much  money  to  the 
individual  members.  He  decided  to  do  as  he  had  done 
before — arrange  an  expedition  of  his  own.  He  had  but 
to  make  known  his  intentions,  when  he  had  more 

59 


60  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

cants  than  he  could  accept.  He  selected  three,  who  it  is 
needless  to  say  had  no  superiors  in  the  whole  party. 
The  little  company  then  turned  the  heads  of  their  horses 
toward  Laramie  River. 

At  that  day,  the  section  abounded  with  beaver,  and 
although  the  summer  is  not  the  time  when  their  fur  is  in 
the  best  condition,  the  party  trapped  on  the  stream  and 
its  tributaries  until  cold  weather  set  in.  They  met  with 
far  greater  success,  than  could  have  come  to  them  had 
they  stayed  with  the  principal  company  of  trappers. 
But  they  had  no  wish  to  spend  the  winter  alone  in  the 
mountains  and  gathering  their  stock  together,  they  set 
out  to  rejoin  their  old  companions. 

One  day,  after  they  had  gone  into  camp,  Carson,  leav- 
ing his  horse  in  charge  of  his  friends,  set  out  on  foot  to 
hunt  some  game  for  their  evening  meal.  They  had  seen 
no  signs  of  Indians,  though  they  never  forgot  to  be  on 
their  guard  against  them.  Game  was  not  very  abundant 
and  Carson  was  obliged  to  go  a  long  ways  before  he 
caught  sight  of  some  elk  grazing  on  the  side  of  a  hill. 
Well  aware  of  the  difficulty  of  getting  within  gunshot  of 
the  timid  animals,  the  hunter  advanced  by  a  circuitous 
course  toward  a  clump  of  trees,  which  would  give  him 
the  needed  shelter ;  but  while  creeping  toward  the  point 
he  had  fixed  upon  as  the  one  from  which  to  fire,  the 
creatures  scented  danger  and  began  moving  off.  This 
compelled  him  to  fire  at  long  range,  but  he  was  success- 
ful and  brought  down  the  finest  of  the  group. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  6 1 

The  smoke  was  curling  upward  from  the  rifle  of  Carson, 
when  he  was  startled  by  a  tremendous  crashing  beside 
him,  and,  turning  his  head,  he  saw  two  enormous  grizzly 
bears  making  for  him  at  full  speed.  They  were  infuriated 
at  this  invasion  of  their  home,  and  were  evidently  resolved 
on  teaching  the  hunter  better  manners  by  making  their 
supper  upon  him. 

Carson  had  no  time  to  reload  his  gun :  had  it  been 
given  him  he  would  have  made  short  work  of  one  of  the 
brutes  at  least,  but  as  it  was,  he  was  deprived  of  even  that 
privilege.  Fortunate  indeed  would  he  be  if  he  could 
escape  their  fury. 

The  grizzly  bear  is  the  most  dreaded  animal  found  on 
this  continent.  He  does  not  seem  to  feel  the  slightest 
fear  of  the  hunter,  no  matter  whether  armed  or  not,  and, 
while  other  beasts  are  disposed  to  give  man  a  wide  berth, 
old  "Ephriam,"  as  the  frontiersmen  call  him,  always 
seems  eager  to  attack  him.  His  tenacity  of  life  is  extra- 
ordinary. Unless  pierced  in  the  head  or  heart,  he  will 
continue  his  struggles  after  a  dozen  or  score  of  rifle  balls 
have  been  buried  in  his  body.  So  terrible  is  the  grizzly 
bear,  that  an  Indian  can  be  given  no  higher  honor  than 
the  privilege  of  wearing  a  necklace  made  from  his  claws, 
— that  distinction  being  permitted  only  to  those  who 
have  slain  one  of  the  animals  in  single-handed  combat. 

No  one  understood  the  nature  of  these  beasts  better 
than  Kit  Carson  and  he  knew  that  if  either  of  the  ani- 
mals once  got  his  claws  upon  him,  there  would  not  be 


62  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  faintest  chance  of  escape.  The  only  thing  therefore 
that  could  be  done  was  to  run. 

There  were  not  wanting  men  who  were  fleeter  of  foot 
than  Carson,  but  few  could  have  overtaken  him  when  he 
made  for  the  trees  on  which  all  his  hopes  depended. 
Like  the  blockade  runner,  closely  pursued  by  the  man  of 
war,  he  threw  overboard  all  the  cargo  that  could  impede 
his  speed.  His  long,  heavy  rifle  was  flung  aside,  and  the 
short  legs  of  the  trapper  doubled  under  him  with  amazing 
quickness  as  he  strove  as  never  before  to  reach  the  grove. 

Fortunately  the  latter  was  not  far  off,  and,  though  the 
fierce  beasts  gained  rapidly  upon  him,  Carson  arrived 
^rnong  the  timber  a  few  s'teps  in  advance.  He  had  no 
time  even  to  select  the  tree,  else  he  would  have  chosen  a 
different  one,  but  making  a  flying  leap,  he  grasped  the 
lowermost  limb  and  swung  upward,  at  the  moment  the 
foremost  grizzly  was  beneath  him.  So  close  in  truth  was 
his  pursuer  that  the  hunter  distinctly  felt  the  sweeping 
blow  of  his  paw  aimed  at  the  leg  which  whisked  beyond 
his  reach  just  in  the  nick  of  time. 

But  the  danger  was  not  over  by  any  means.  The 
enthusiastic  style  in  which  the  bears  entered  into  the  pro- 
ceedings proved  they  did  not  mean  that  any  trifles  should 
stop  them.  They  were  able  to  climb  the  tree  which  sup« 
ported  Carson,  and  he  did  not  lose  sight  of  the  fact, 
Whipping  out  his  hunting  knife,  he  hurriedly  cut  off  a 
short  thick  branch  and  trimmed  it  into  a  shape  that  would 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  63 

have  made  a  most  excellent  shillaleh  for  a  native  of  the 
Green  Isle. 

;  He  had  hardly  done  so,  when  the  heads  of  the  bruins 
were  thrust  upward  almost  against  his  feet.  Carson 
grasped  the  club  with  both  hands  and  raising  it  above 
his  shoulders  brought  it  down  with  all  his  might  upon  the 
nose  of  the  foremost.  The  brute  sniffed  with  pain,  threw 
up  his  head  and  drew  back  a  few  inches — just  enough  to 
place  the  other  nose  in  front.  At  that  instant,  a  resound- 
ing whack  landed  on  the  rubber  snout  and  the  second 
bear  must  have  felt  a  twinge  all  through  his  body. 

Though  each  blow  caused  the  recipient  to  recoil,  yet 
he  instantly  returned,  so  that  Carson  was  kept  busy 
pounding  the  noses  as  if  he  was  an  old  fashioned  farmer 
threshing  wheat  with  a  flail. 

It  was  a  question  with  Carson  which  would  last  the 
longer — the  club  or  the  snouts,  but  in  the  hope  of  getting 
beyond  their  reach,  he  climbed  to  the  topmost  bough, 
where  he  crouched  into  the  smallest  possible  space.  It 
was  idle,  however,  to  hope  they  would  overlook  him,  for 
they  pushed  on  up  the  tree  which  swayed  with  their 
weight. 

The  nose  of  the  grizzly  bear  is  one  of  the  most  sensi- 
tive portions  of  his  body,  and  the  vigorous  thumps  which 
the  hunter  brought  down  upon  them,  brought  tears  of 
pain  to  their  eyes.  But  while  they  suffered,  they  were 
roused  to  fury  by  the  repeated  rebuffs,  and  seemed  all  the 


64  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

more  set  on  craunching  the  flesh  and  bones  of  the  insig- 
nificant creature  who  defied  them. 

It  must  have  been  exasperating  beyond  imagination  to 
the  gigantic  beasts,  who  feared  neither  man  nor  animal  to 
find  themselves  repeatedly  baffled  by  a  miserable  being 
whom  they  could  rend  to  pieces  with  one  blow  of  their 
paws,  provided  they  could  approach  nigh  enough  to 
reach  him. 

They  came  up  again  and  again ;  they  would  draw  back 
so  as  to  avoid  those  stinging  strokes,  sniff,  growl  and 
push  upward,  more  eager  than  ever  to  clutch  the  poor 
fellow,  who  was  compressing  himself  between  the  limb 
and  the  trunk,  and  raining  his  blows  with  the  persistency 
of  a  pugilist. 

They  were  finally  forced  to  desist  for  a  few  minutes  in 
order  to  give  their  snouts  time  to  regain  their  tone.  The 
bulky  creatures  looked  at  each  other  and  seemed  to  say, 
"  That's  a  mighty  queer  customer  up  there ;  he  doesn't 
fight  fairly,  but  we'll  fetch  him  yet." 

Once  more  and  for  the  last  time,  they  returned  to  the 
charge,  but  the  plucky  scout  was  awaiting  them,  and  his 
club  whizzed  through  the  air  like  the  piston  rod  of  a  steam 
engine.  The  grizzlies  found  it  more  that  they  could 
stand,  and  tumbling  back  to  solid  earth  they  gave  up  the 
contract  in  disgust.  Carson  tarried  where  he  was  until 
they  were  beyond  sight,  when  he  descended  and  hastily 
caught  up  and  re-loaded  his  rifle,  having  escaped,  as  he 
always  declared,  by  the  narrowest  chance  of  all  his  life. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

On  the  Green  River — In  the  Blackfoot  Country — The  Blackfeet-— 
An  Unwelcome  Visit — The  Pursuit  and  Parley — Dissolution  of 
the  Peace  Congress. 

THE  day  was  drawing  to  a  close  when  Carson  set  out 
for  camp,  which  was  not  reached  until  after  dark.  His 
companions  did  not  feel  any  special  alarm  over  his  con- 
tinued absence,  for  the  good  reason  that  they  were  confi- 
dent he  could  take  care  of  himself,  no  matter  in  what 
labyrinth  of  peril  he  might  become  involved. 

It  was  too  late  to  send  for  the  carcase  of  the  elk  and 
more  than  likely  it  had  already  been  devoured  by  wolves. 
So  the  trappers  made  their  breakfast  on  one  of  the 
beavers  found  in  their  traps,  and  went  into  camp  to  await 
the  arrival  of  the  main  body  of  trapper^,  which  Carson 
was  confident  would  come  that  way.  Some  days  later 
they  put  in  an  appearance,  and  the  company  proceeded 
to  the  general  rendezvous  on  Green  River,  where  were 
found  assembled  the  principal  trappers  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  There  were  fully  two  hundred  divided  into 
two  camps.  What  a  history  could  have  been  written 
from  the  thrilling  experiences  of  such  a  body  of  men! 

They  had  gathered  at  the  rendezvous  to  buy  what  sup- 
plies they  needed  and  to  dispose  of  their  peltries.  It 
was  several  weeks  before  the  negotiations  were  over, 
5  65 


66  LIFE  Of  KIT  CARSON. 

when  the  assemblage  broke  up  into  smaller  companies 
which  started  for  their  destinations  hundreds  of  miles 
apart. 

Carson  joined  a  party  numbering  about  fifty  who 
intended  to  trap  near  the  headwaters  of  the  Missouri. 
Hundreds  of  beavers  had  been  taken  in  that  section,  but 
poor  success  went  with  the  large  band  of  which  Carson 
was  a  member.  That  was  bad  enough,  but  they  were  in 
a  neighborhood  which,  it  may  be  said,  was  the  very 
heart  of  the  Blackfoot  country,  and  those  hostiles  were 
never  more  active  and  vigilant  in  their  warfare  against 
the  invaders. 

The  Blackfeet  or  Satsika  to  day,  are  the  most  westerly 
tribe  of  the  Algonquin  family  of  Indians,  extending  from 
the  Hudson  Bay  to  the  Missouri  and  Yellowstone.  They 
number  over  12,000  warriors  about  equally  divided 
between  Montana  and  British  America.  They  have 
always  been  a  daring  and  warlike  people,  and  the  early 
explorers  of  the  Far  West  probably  met  with  more 
trouble  from  them  than  from  any  other  tribe  on  the  con- 
tinent. 

Carson  and  his  companions  ran  in  difficulty  at  once. 
The  Blackfeet  seemed  to  swarm  through  the  woods,  and 
sent  in  their  treacherous  shots  from  the  most  unexpected 
quarters.  Whoever  made  the  round  of  the  traps  in  the 
morning  was  almost  certain  to  be  fired  upon.  Matters 
became  so  bad  that  after  a  time  the  trappers  decided  to 
leave  the  country.  Accordingly  they  made  their  way  to 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  6/ 

the  Big  Snake  River  where  they  went  into  quarters 
for  the  winter.  Even  there  they  were  not  safe  from 
molestation  at  the  hands  of  their  old  enemies  the  Black  - 
feet. 

One  night,  when  there  was  no  moon  or  stars,  a  band 
of  warriors  stole  into  camp  and  ran  off  about  twenty  of 
the  best  horses.  This  outrage  touched  the  hunters  in  the 
most  sensitive  part  of  their  nature,  and  the  truth  no 
sooner  became  known  than  they  unanimously  agreed  that 
the  animals  not  only  should  be  recovered  but  the  auda- 
cious aggressors  should  be  chastised. 

Twelve  men  were  selected  for  the  most  difficult  and 
dangerous  task  and  need  we  give  the  name  of  the  youth 
who  was  made  the  leader  ? 

With  his  usual  promptness,  Carson  took  the  trail  which 
was  followed  without  trouble  over  the  snow.  The  Black- 
feet  had  reason  to  fear  some  such  demonstration,  and 
they  hurried  off  with  such  speed  that  they  were  not  over, 
taken  until  fifty  miles  from  camp. 

The  situation  was  a  novel  one.  The  Indians  had  come 
to  a  halt  and  the  horses  were  grazing  on  the  side  of  a 
hill  where  the  wind  had  blown  away  the  snow.  The 
Blackfeet  had  on  snow-shoes  which  gave  them  an  advant- 
age over  the  trappers.  The  latter  galloped  in  the  direc- 
tion of  their  horses,  the  moment  they  caught  sight  of 
them.  The  Blackfeet  fired  at  the  trappers,  who  returned 
a  scattering  volley  but  no  one  was  hurt  on  either  side. 
Then  followed  skirmishing  and  manceuvering  for  several 


6$  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON, 

minutes,  without  either  party  gaining  advantage.  Finally 
the  Blackfeet  asked  for  a  parley  to  which  the  trappers 
assented. 

In  accordance  with  the  usual  custom,  one  of  the  Indians 
advanced  to  a  point  midway  between  the  two  parties  and 
halted.  At  the  same  time,  one  of  the  trappers  went  for- 
ward, the  rest  of  the  whites  and  red  men  keeping  their 
distance  and  watching  them. 

The  Blackfoot  opened  business  by  what  might  be 
termed  an  apology  which  was  no  more  genuine  than 
many  made  by  his  civilized  brethren  under  somewhat 
similar  circumstances.  He  expressed  great  surprise  tc 
learn  that  the  horses  belonged  to  their  good  friends  the 
trappers.  They  had  supposed  all  along  that  they  were 
the  property  of  the  Snake  Indians  whom  the  Blackfeet 
considered  it  their  duty  to  despoil  on  every  suitable  occa- 
sion. 

This  glaring  misrepresentation  did  not  deceive  the  man 
who  was  acting  as  spokesman  for  his  side.  By  way  of 
reply,  he  asked  that  if  such  was  the  case,  why  had  not 
the  Blackfeet  come  forward  on  discovering  their  mistake, 
greeted  their  white  brothers  as  friends  and  returned  their 
property  to  them. 

The  replies  were  evasive  and  the  hunters  became  con- 
vinced that  the  Indians  were  seeking  to  gain  time  for 
some  sinister  purpose ;  but  a  full  parley  having  been 
agreed  upon,  both  parties  left  their  guns  behind  and 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  69 

advanced  to  where  their  representatives  were  holding 
their  interview. 

The  Blackfeet  still  professed  the  most  ardent  friendship, 
and  as  an  emphatic  token  of  the  same,  produced  the  cal- 
umet and  began  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace.  The  tobacco 
having  been  lit,  each  took  several  whiffs  and  then  passed 
it  to  his  neighbor,  who  did  the  same  until  the  round  was 
completed.  This  solemn  pledge  of  good  will  having  been 
exchanged,  the  convention  or  peace  congress  was  opened 
as  may  be  said,  in  due  and  ancient  form. 

Carson  and  his  companions  were  distrustful  from  the 
start,  though  it  was  hard  for  them  to  decide  the  meaning 
of  the  prolonged  negotiations,  since  no  one  could  see 
what  the  Blackfeet  were  to  gain  by  such  a  course.  They 
may  have  hoped  to  deceive  the  hunters  and  throw  them 
off  their  guard,  but,  if  such  was  the  case,  they  failed. 

First  of  all,  the  leading  warriors  indulged  in  several 
long  speeches  which  were  without  point,  but  what  was 
said  in  reply  could  admit  of  no  doubt  as  to  its  meaning. 
The  trappers  understood  the  Blackfoot  tongue  well 
enough  to  make  their  responses  models  in  the  way  of 
brevity  and  force.  They  said  that  it  was  idle  to  talk  of 
friendship  or  peace  until  the  stolen  property  was  returned 
to  its  owners.  The  Indians  still  attempted  to  postpone 
or  evade,  but  the  complainants  were  in  no  mood  for 
trifling  and  they  repeated  their  declaration  more  posi- 
tively than  before. 

The  Blackfeet  were  much  more  numerous  than  the 


70  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

whites,  and  confident  of  their  strength,  began  to  bluster 
and  to  assert  that  whatever  they  did  would  be  dictated 
by  their  own  wishes  and  not  by  any  fear  of  their  visitors. 
Whether  they  desired  to  avoid  a  fight  or  not  can  only  be 
conjectured,  but  they  finally  sent  back  to  where  the  horses 
were  tethered  and  caused  five  of  the  worst  to  be  picked 
out  and  brought  forward. 

When  the  trappers  inquired  the  meaning  of  this  pro- 
ceeding, the  Indians  said  that  it  was  the  best  they  could 
clo  and  the  hunters  must  be  content. 

This  last  insult  was  the  spark  which  exploded  the 
magazine.  Instantly  every  white  man  ran  for  his  gun, 
and  the  Blackfeet  did  the  same.  A  few  seconds  after 
they  wheeled  about  and  the  sanguinary  fight  began. 

Kit  Carson  and  a  companion  were  the  first  to  obtain 
their  guns  and  as  a  consequence  they  led  the  advance. 
Each  selected  a  warrior  who  was  partially  hidden  by  the 
trunk  of  a  tree.  Carson  was  in  the  act  of  firing,  when 
he  observed  that  his  friend  was  examining  the  lock  of  his 
gun  all  unmindful  of  the  fact  that  one  of  the  Blackfeet 
had  levelled  his  weapon  directly  at  his  breast.  On  the 
instant,  Kit  changed  his  aim  and  shot  the  savage  dead, 
thereby  saving  the  life  of  his  friend,  who  could  not  have 
escaped  had  the  weapon  of  his  adversary  been  dis- 
charged. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Carson  Badly  Wounded — A  Drawn  Battle — An  Ineffectual  Pur- 
suit— The  Summer  Rendezvous — Carson's  Duel. 

THIS  act  of  chivalry  on  the  part  of  Carson  simply 
transferred  the  peril  of  his  friend  to  himself,  for  the 
Indian  whom  he  had  selected  for  his  target  was  carefully 
sighting  at  him,  at  the  very  moment  the  gun  was  dis- 
charged. Kit  saw  what  was  coming  and  bounded  to  one 
side  in  the  hope  of  dodging  the  bullet.  Quick  as  he  was, 
however,  he  did  not  entirely  succeed,  though  the  act  doubt- 
less saved  his  life.  The  ball  from  the  rifle  of  his  adversary 
grazed  his  neck  and  buried  itself  in  his  shoulder,  shat- 
tering the  head  of  one  of  the  bones. 

Carson  though  badly  hurt,  did  not  fall  or  retreat.  On 
the  contrary,  he  tried  desperately  to  reload  his  gun,  but 
found  it  impossible  to  raise  his  arm.  He  was  hors  de 
combat  beyond  all  question,  and  bleeding  so  fast  that  his 
weakness  compelled  him  to  lie  down  on  the  ground  while 
the  conflict  went  on  about  him. 

The  fight  was  very  hot  for  a  time,  the  result  being 
what  may  be  called  a  drawn  battle,  with  the  advantage 
inclining  to  the  side  of  the  Indians.  The  trappers  fell 
back  to  the  safest  place  that  presented  itself  and  went 
into  camp.  They  dared  not  start  a  fire,  for  they  knew  it; 

71 


72  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

would  bring  an  attack  irom  the  Indians,  but  wrapping 
their  saddle  blankets  around  them,  they  bore  the  intense 
cold  as  best  they  could. 

The  sufferings  of  Carson  were  great.  His  wounds  con-, 
tinued  bleeding  and  froze  upon  the  dressings,  which  were 
of  the  most  primitive  character.  And  yet  not  once 
through  those  hours  of  anguish  did  he  utter  a  word  of 
complaint.  Many  a  strong  man  would  have  cried  out  in 
his  agony,  but  one  might  have  sat  within  arm's  length 
of  the  mountaineer  without  knowing  he  was  hurt  at  all. 

More  than  that,  Carson  took  his  part  in  the  council 
which  was  held  in  the  cold  and  darkness.  The  conclu- 
sion reached  was  that  the  party  of  trappers  were  not 
strong  enough  to  pursue  the  Blackfeet,  and  the  proper 
course  to  pursue  was  to  rejoin  the  main  body  and  report 
what  had  been  done.  It  would  then  be  time  enough  to 
decide  upon  their  future  action. 

When  this  programme  was  carried  out,  a  larger  party 
of  hunters  under  the  lead  of  an  experienced  mountaineer 
resumed  the  pursuit;  but  nothing  could  be  found  of  the 
savages.  They  had  utilized  the  grace  allowed  them  so 
well  that  it  was  impossible  to  overtake  or  trace  them,  and 
the  indignant  trappers  were  obliged  to  submit  to  their 
loss. 

The  severe  cold  moderated,  and,  as  spring  was  close  at 
hand  the  hunters  pushed  their  trapping  operations  along 
the  Green  and  Snake  Rivers,  meeting  with  unbounded 
success.  They  gathered  more  peltries  than  they  had 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  73 

dared  to  hope  for,  and  when  warm  weather  approached, 
went  into  quarters  where  they  remained  until  the  follow- 
ing  fall,  a  party  of  traders  having  brought  them  all  the 
supplies  they  needed. 

The  rugged  constitution  of  Carson  and  his  temperate 
habits  caused  him  speedily  to  recover  from  his  severe 
wound.  He  again  became  the  active,  vigilant,  keen- 
witted guide  and  hunter  who  was  looked  up  to  by  all  as 
the  most  consummate  master  of  woodcraft  that  had  ever 
been  known  in  the  west. 

Such  a  large  party  as  were  gathered  at  the  summer 
rendezvous  was  certain  to  include  many  varieties  of 
people.  The  frank,  brave  and  open-hearted,  the  sly  and 
treacherous,  the  considerate  and  courteous,  the  quarrel- 
some and  overbearing — indeed  the  temperaments  of  the 
individuals  composing  the  company  were  as  varied  as  it 
is  possible  to  imagine. 

Among  them  was  a  powerful  Frenchman  known  as 
Captain  Shunan.  He  had  won  his  title  by  hard  fighting, 
possessed  a  magnificent  physique,  was  brave  and  skilled 
in  the  use  of  arms,  and  was  the  most  quarrelsome  indi- 
vidual in  camp.  It  is  impossible  to  picture  a  more  iras- 
cible and  disagreeable  personage  than  Captain  Shunan, 
who  appeared  to  spend  all  his  spare  time  in  trying  to 
provoke  quarrels  with  those  around  him.  Sometimes  he 
succeeded,  but  more  often  his  insolence  was  submitted  to 
by  men  as  brave  as  he,  but  who  wished  to  avoid  trouble 
with  him. 


74  MFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

The  activity  and  strength  of  the  Frenchman  were  so 
great  that  a  skilful  pugilist  would  have  found  difficulty  in 
handling  him.  The  only  ground  upon  which  he  could 
be  met  with  anything  like  fairness  was  where  fire  arms 
were  used. 

On  one  of  these  occasions,  the  bully  became  unbear- 
able in  his  behavior.  He  knocked  down  several  weak 
and  inoffensive  persons,  and  swaggered  back  and  forth 
through  camp,  boasting  that  he  could  trounce  any  one 
there.  In  the  midst  of  his  bluster,  Carson  walked  up  in 
front  of  him  and  said  in  a  voice  loud  enough  to  be  heard 
by  those  around : 

"  Captain  Shunan,  there  are  plenty  here  who  can  easily 
chastise  you,  but  they  prefer  to  submit  to  your  impudence 
for  the  sake  of  peace :  however,  we  have  had  enough  and 
now  I  notify  you  to  stop  at  once  or  I  shall  kill  you ! " 

These  were  astounding  words,  and,  as  may  be  supposed, 
when  uttered  by  a  man  six  inches  shorter  and  many 
pounds  lighter  than  the  blustering  Captain,  they  fairly 
took  away  his  breath.  Carson  spoke  in  his  quiet,  soft 
voice,  as  though  there  was  not  the  least  cause  for  excite- 
ment; but  those  who  knew  him,  noted  the  flash  of  his 
clear,  gray  eye  and  understood  his  deadly  earnestness. 

Captain  Shunan  was  infuriated  by  the  words  of  Carson. 
As  soon  as  he  could  recover  himself,  he  turned  about  and 
without  speaking  a  word,  walked  to  his  quarters.  Kit 
did  not  need  be  told  what  that  meant.  He  did  the  same, 
walking  to  his  own  lodge,  from  which  he  speedily  emerged 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  75 

holding  a  single-barrel  pistol.  He  was  so  anxious  to  be 
on  the  ground  in  time,  that  he  caught  up  the  first  weapon 
that  presented  itself. 

Almost  at  the  same  moment,  Captain  Shunan  appeared 
with  his  rifle.  Carson  observed  him,  and,  though  he 
could  have  secured  without  difficulty  a  similar  weapon, 
he  did  not  do  so.  He  was  willing  to  give  his  burly  antag- 
onist the  advantage,  if  it  should  prove  such.  The  other 
trappers  as  may  be  supposed,  watched  the  actions  of  the 
two  men  with  breathless  interest.  The  quarrel  had  taken 
such  a  course  that  they  were  convinced  that  one  or  the 
other  of  the  combatants  would  be  killed.  Captain  Shu- 
nan  had  been  so  loud  in  his  boasts  that  he  did  not  dare 
swallow  the  insult,  put  on  him  by  the  fragile  Kit  Carson. 
Had  he  done  so,  he  would  have  been  hooted  out  of  camp 
and  probably  lynched. 

As  for  Kit,  his  courage  was  beyond  suspicion.  He 
feared  no  man  and  was  sure  to  acquit  himself  creditably 
no  matter  in  what  circumstances  he  was  placed.  He 
was  the  most  popular  member  of  the  large  company, 
while  his  antagonist  was  the  most  detested ;  but  the  love 
of  fair  play  was  such  that  no  one  would  interfere,  no  mat- 
ter  how  great  the  need  for  doing  so. 

The  duellists,  as  they  may  be  called, "mounted  each  his 
horse  and  circling  about  the  plain,  speedily  headed  toward 
each  other  and  dashed  forward  on  a  dead  run.  As  they 
approached,  they  reined  up  and  halted  face  to  face,  within 
arm's  length. 


J6  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Looking  his  antagonist  straight  in  the  eye,  Carson 
demanded  : 

"  Are  you  looking  for  me  ?  " 

"No/' 

"  Have  you  any  business  with  me?M 

"No,"  growled  the  savage  Frenchman;  but,  while  the 
words  were  in  his  mouth,  brought  his  rifle  to  his  shoulder, 
and,  pointing  it  at  the  breast  of  Carson,  pulled  the  trig- 
ger; but  Kit  expected  some  such  treacherous  act,  and, 
before  the  gun  could  be  fired,  he  threw  up  his  pistol  and 
discharged  it  as  may  be  said,  across  the  barrel  of  the 
leveled  weapon. 

The  ball  broke  the  forearm  of  Captain  Shunan,  at  the 
very  moment  he  discharged  his  gun.  The  shock  diverted 
the  aim,  so  that  the  bullet  grazed  his  scalp,  inflicting  a 
trifling  wound ;  but  the  combatants  were  so  close  that 
the  powder  of  the  rifle  scorched  the  face  of  the  moun- 
taineer. 

Captain  Shunan  had  been  badly  worsted,  and  was  dis- 
abled for  weeks  afterward.  He  accepted  his  fate  without 
complaint  and  was  effectually  cured  of  fcis  overbearing 
manner  toward  his  associates. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

On  the  Yellowstone — Repeated  Disappointments — Carson  Enters 
the  Employ  of  a  Hudson  Bay  Trader — Poor  Success — A  Trying 
Journey — Arrival  at  Fort  Hall — The  American  Buffalo  or 
Bison. 

WITH  the  approach  of  cool  weather,  preparations  were 
made  for  the  fall  hunt.  When  all  was  ready,  the  trap- 
pers headed  for  the  Yellowstone,  which  was  reached 
without  mishap,  and  they  immediately  set  their  traps. 
The  country  as  a  rule,  was  a  good  one  for  those  valuable 
animals,  but  the  visitors  were  disappointed  to  learn 
they  were  unusually  scarce. 

When  it  became  evident  that  it  was  useless  to  work  on 
the  Yellowstone,  they  gathered  up  their  traps  and  made 
their  way  to  the  Big  Horn,  but,  failing  again,  tried  their 
fortunes  on  other  rivers  in  that  vicinity  with  no  better 
results. 

It  was  while  engaged  in  this  discouraging  work  that 
they  met  a  trader  belonging  to  the  Hudson  Bay  Com- 
pany. He  had  been  pushing  operations  in  every  direc- 
tion, but  the  stories  he  told  were  of  the  same  general 
tenor  as  those  of  the  larger  party.  He  had  been  as 
unsuccessful  in  the  way  of  trade  as  they  had  been  in 
catching  the  fur  bearing  animals. 

The  Hudson  Bay  trader,  however,  was  confident  he 

77 


78  LIFE  O»  KIT  CARSON. 

could  succeed  where  they  had  failed,  and  he  made  such 
liberal  offers  to  Carson  that  he  and  several  of  his  compan- 
ions accepted  them  on  the  spot. 

The  first  point  which  they  visited  was  the  Humboldt 
River,  from  which  had  come  reports  of  the  abundance  of 
beavers.  They  began  near  the  head  waters  of  the  stream, 
and  carefully  trapped  down  to  the  Great  Basin.  Meeting 
with  only  moderate  success,  they  made  their  way  to  Big 
Snake  River.  After  remaining  there  a  considerable  time, 
the  party  divided,  the  Hudson  Bay  trader  and  his  friends 
going  northward  toward  Fort  Walla  Walla,  while  Carson 
and  the  larger  number  set  out  for  Fort  Hall. 

The  journey  thither  was  one  of  the  most  distressing 
which  Kit  Carson  ever  undertook.  The  country  through 
which  most  of  the  march  led  is  one  of  the  most  dismal 
wastes  on  the  American  continent.  Except  in  extent,  a 
journey  across  it  is  similar  to  that  of  the  parched  cara- 
vans across  the  flaming  sands  of  Sahara.  Carson  and  his 
companions  were  accustomed  to  all  manner  of  priva- 
tions, but  more  than  once  their  endurance  was  tried  to 
the  utmost  point. 

The  trappers  had  gathered  some  nutritious  roots  upon 
which  they  managed  to  subsist  for  a  time,  but  these  soon 
gave  out,  and  their  situation  grew  desperate.  When 
almost  famishing  they  bled  their  mules  and  drank  the 
warm  current.  They  would  have  killed  one  of  the  ani- 
mals, but  for  the  fact  that  they  could  not  spare  it,  and, 
as  there  was  no  calculating  how  long  the  others  would 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  79 

last,  they  were  afraid  to  take  the  step,  which  was  likely 
to  cripple  them  fatally. 

This  strange  source  of  nourishment  served  them  for 
the  time,  but  a  repetition  would  endanger  the  lives  of 
their  animals,  who  were  also  in  sore  straits,  inasmuch  as 
the  grass  was  not  only  poor  but  very  scanty.  Matters 
rapidly  grew  worse,  and  soon  became  so  desperate  that 
Carson  said  they  would  have  to  kill  one  of  their  animals 
or  else  lie  down  and  perish  themselves. 

At  this  trying  crisis,  they  discovered  a  band  of  Indians 
approaching.  Perhaps  the  hapless  situation  in  which  all 
ivere  placed  left  no  room  for  enmity,  for  the  red  men 
showed  a  friendly  disposition.  The  high  hopes  of  Carson 
and  his  friends  were  chilled  when  it  was  found  that  the 
Indians  were  in  about  as  bad  a  plight  as  themselves.  They 
had  barely  a  mouthful  of  food  among  them,  and,  when 
besought  to  barter  with  the  whites,  they  shook  their 
heads.  They  had  nothing  to  trade,  and,  while  they  felt 
no  hostility  toward  the  suffering  trappers,  they  gave 
them  to  understand  they  could  not  afford  any  help  at  all. 

But  Carson  had  fixed  his  eyes  on  a  plump  old  horse, 
and  never  did  a  shrewd  New  Englander  apply  himself 
more  persistently  to  secure  a  prize  than  did  he.  Kit's 
companions  put  forth  all  their  powers  of  persuasion,  but  in 
vain,  and  they  advised  Carson  that  he  was  throwing 
away  his  efforts  in  attempting  the  impossible. 

But  Carson  succeeded,  and  when  the  equine  was 
slaughtered  and  broiled,  the  trappers  enjoyed  one  of  the 


80  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

most  delicious  feasts  of  their  lives.  They  filled  them- 
selves  to  repletion  and  felt  that  the  enjoyment  it  brought 
was  almost  worth  the  suffering  they  had  undergone  to 
obtain  it. 

When  their  strength  was  recruited,  they  resumed  their 
journey  and  a  few  days  later  reached  Fort  Hall.  There 
they  found  abundance  of  food  and  received  a  cordial  wel- 
come. In  a  brief  while  they  were  as  strong  as  ever  and 
eager  for  any  new  enterprise. 

Hundreds  of  bisons  were  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
fort  and  Carson  and  his  friends  slew  them  by  the  score. 
Indeed  they  kept  the  post  well  supplied  with  fresh  meat 
as  long  as  they  remained  there. 

The  animal  almost  universally  known  as  the  "  buffalo  " 
is  mis-called,  his  correct  name  being  the  "bison,"  of 
which  there  are  droves  numbering,  it  is  said,  as  high  as  a 
hundred  thousand.  The  flesh  is  held  in  high  repute  by 
hunters,  and  not  only  is  nourishing  but  possesses  the 
valuable  quality  of  not  cloying  the  appetite.  The  most 
delicate  portion  of  the  animal  is  the  hump  which  gives 
the  peculiar  appearance  to  his  back.  That  and  the 
tongue  and  marrow-bones  are  frequently  the  only  por- 
tions made  use  of  by  the  hunter. 

The  hide  answers  many  useful  purposes.  All  know 
how  much  a  "buffalo  robe''  is  appreciated  in  wintry 
weather  by  those  exposed  to  cold.  It  serves  to  form  the 
Indian's  tents,  his  bed,  parts  of  his  dress  and  is  sometimes 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  8 1 

made  into  a  shield  which  will  turn  aside  a  rifle  ball  that 
does  not  strike  it  fairly. 

Hundreds  of  thousands  of  bisons  are  killed  annually — 
myriads  of  them  in  pure  wantonness — and  yet  enormous 
droves  may  be  encountered  to-day  in  many  portions  of 
the  west,  where  it  is  hard  for  the  experienced  hunters  to 
detect  any  decrease  in  their  numbers. 

Some  of  the  methods  employed  to  slay  bisons  are 
cruel  in  the  extreme.  Many  a  time  a  large  herd  has  been 
stampeded  in  the  direction  of  some  precipice.  When 
the  leaders  found  themselves  on  the  edge,  they  have 
endeavored  to  recoil ;  but  there  was  no  stemming  the  tide 
behind  them.  The  terrified  animals  literally  pushed  the 
leaders  over  the  rocks  and  then  tumbled  upon  them.  In 
a  little  while  the  gully  or  stream  would  be  choked  with 
the  furiously  struggling  creatures  and  hundreds  would  be 
killed  within  a  few  minutes. 

The  bison  is  as  fond  as  the  hog  of  wallowing  in  mud. 
When  he  comes  upon  a  marshy  spot  he  lies  down  and 
rolls  about  until  he  has  worn  out  a  large  and  shallow 
excavation  into  which  the  water  oozes  through  the  damp 
soil.  Lying  down  again  he  rolls  and  turns  until  he  is 
plastered  from  head  to  tail  with  mud.  Though  it  cannot 
be  said  that  it  adds  to  his  attractiveness,  yet  the  coating 
no  doubt  serves  well  as  a  protection  against  the  swarms 
of  insects,  which  are  sometimes  terrible  enough  to  sting 
animals  to  death. 

Those  who  have  viewed  the  scraggy  specimens  in  the 

s 


82  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

menageries  and  zoological  gardens  would  scarcely  suspec\ 
the  activity  and  power  of  running  possessed  by  them. 
The  body  is  covered  with  such  an  abundance  of  hair  that 
it  looks  larger  than  it  really  is,  while  the  legs  appear 
smaller.  But  the  bison  not  only  can  run  swiftly,  but 
possesses  great  endurance.  They  will  often  clash  at  full 
speed  over  ground  so  rough  that  the  more  graceful  horse 
will  stumble. 

When  wounded  by  the  hunters,  a  bull  will  sometimes 
turn  in  desperation  on  his  persecutor.  Then,  unless  the 
horse  is  well  trained,  serious  consequences  are  likely  to 
follow.  The  plunging  thrust  of  his  stumpy  horns  per- 
haps rips  open  the  steed,  sending  the  rider  flying  over 
the  back  of  the  furious  bison,  who  may  turn  upon  him 
and  slay  him  before  he  can  escape. 

This  rarely  happens,  however,  the  bison  being  a  huge, 
cowardly  creature  which  prefers  to  run  rather  than  fight, 
and  a  hunt  of  the  game  in  these  days  often  takes  the 
character  of  wholesale  butchery  in  which  no  true  sports- 
man would  engage. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

A  Strange  Occurrence — Arrival  of  Friends — Carson  Joins  a  Large 
Company — Trapping  on  the  Yellowstone — The  Blackfeet — A 
Dreadful  Scourge — In  Winter  Quarters — The  Friendly  Crow 
Indians — Loss  of  Two  Trappers— On  the  Head  Waters  of  the 
Missouri. 

A  SINGULAR  occurrence  took  place  a  few  nights  after 
the  return  of  Carson  and  his  friends  from  an  extended 
bison  hunt.  Their  horses  and  mules  were  corraled  near 
the  post  and  a  sentinel  was  on  duty  at  all  hours  of  the 
night  to  prevent  the  animals  being  stolen  by  the  Indians 
who  were  always  prowling  through  the  neighborhood. 

In  the  dim  uncertain  light,  just  beyond  midnight,  the 
sentinel  saw  two  men  walk  forward  from  the  darkness, 
and  without  any  appearance  of  haste,  let  down  the  bars 
and  drive  out  the  stock.  Very  naturally  he  concluded 
they  were  his  friends  who  intended  to  take  out  the 
animals  to  graze.  As  there  was  nothing  more  for  him  to 
do,  he  sought  his  quarters,  lay  down  and  went  to  sleep. 

In  the  morning  not  a  horse  or  a  mule  was  to  be  found. 
The  two  individuals  who  had  let  down  the  bars  and 
driven  them  out,  were  Blackfeet  Indians,  whose  complete 
success  was  due  to  their  amazing  audacity.  Had  they 
shown  any  hesitation  or  haste,  the  suspicions  of  the 
sentinel  would  have  been  aroused,  but  when  the  truth 

83 


84  LIFE  OF  KIT  C ARSON. 

became  known,  he  was  the  most  astonished  man  at  the 
fort. 

The  hunters  were  in  a  most  sorry  plight,  for  the  Black- 
feet  having  made  a  clean  sweep,  they  were  without  the 
means  of  pursuing  and  recovering  their  property.  The 
parties  who  belonged  at  the  fort  had  suffered  a  somewhat 
similar  trick  a  short  time  before  from  the  same  tribe,  so 
that  only  a  few  rickety  horses  remained  in  their  posses- 
sion. 

Under  the  circumstances,  the  trappers  were  compelled 
to  accept  their  misfortune  with  grim  philosophy,  and 
await  the  arrival  of  the  rest  of  the  party,  who  had 
promised  to  rejoin  them  after  completing  their  business  at 
Fort  Walla  Walla. 

Sure  enough,  a  few  weeks  later,  their  friends  appeared, 
and  providentially  indeed  they  brought  with  them  an 
extra  supply  of  excellent  horses.  The  trappers  were  in 
overflowing  spirits  once  more  and  soon  started  for  the 
general  rendezvous  on  Green  River. 

Other  trappers  continued  to  arrive  for  a  number  of 
days,  until  about  all  that  were  expected  had  come  in. 
Trade  and  barter  then  began  and  lasted  some  three 
weeks.  The  scene  was  picturesque  and  stirring  and 
there  was  much  hand  shaking  and  pleasant  wishes  when 
the  time  came  to  separate. 

Kit  Carson  left  the  employ  of  the  Hudson  Bay  Com- 
pany trader  and  attached  himself  to  a  party  numbering 
fully  a  hundred  who  had  determined  to  trap  along  the 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  8$ 

Yellowstone.  It  will  be  recalled  that  Carson  once  quit 
a  company  of  trappers  because  it  was  too  large,  and  it 
may  be  wondered  why  he  should  join  one  that  was  still 
more  numerous.  The  reason  he  did  so  was  because  they 
were  going  into  the  very  heart  of  the  Blackfoot  country. 
They  had  suffered  so  much  from  these  daring  marauders 
that  they  knew  there  would  be  no  safety  unless  they  went 
in  strong  force.  Furthermore,  the  whites  had  so  many  old 
scores  to  settle  with  those  redskins  that  they  meant  to 
invite  attack  from  them.  If  the  Blackfeet  would  only 
offer  the  opportunity  for  battle,  the  trappers  meant  to 
give  them  their  fill. 

The  formidable  company  arranged  matters  according 
to  a  system.  Dividing  into  two  equal  parties,  the  duty 
of  one  was  made  to  trap  beaver,  while  the  other  furnished 
food  and  guarded  the  property.  By  this  means,  they 
would  always  be  in  shape  to  meet  their  sworn  foes,  while 
the  real  business  which  brought  them  into  the  country 
would  not  be  neglected. 

The  hunters  were  confident  they  would  not  be  left 
alone  very  long.  The  Blackfeet  would  resent  the  inva- 
sion of  their  hunting  grounds,  and  to  say  the  least,  would 
take  measures  to  prevent  the  time  hanging  heavily  on 
the  hands  of  the  pale  faces. 

But,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  trappers,  the  days 
passed  without  bringing  a  glimpse  of  the  savages.  No 
hostile  shot  awoke  the  impressive  stillness  of  the  wilder- 
ness. Could  it  be  the  Blackfeet  were  seeking  to  throw 


86  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  whites  off  their  guard  ?  Did  they  expect  to  induce  a 
degree  of  carelessness  that  would  enable  the  Blackfeet  to 
gather  their  warriors  and  overwhelm  them  before  they 
could  rally  ? 

It  was  not  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  sagacious 
tribe  held  any  such  belief,  for  they  could  not  have  failed 
to  know  that  any  such  hope  was  idle. 

But  the  explanation  came  one  day  by  a  party  of 
friendly  Crow  Indians,  who  stated  that  the  small  pox 
was  raging  with  such  awful  virulence  among  the  Black- 
feet  that  they  were  dying  by  hundreds  and  thousands. 
Indeed,  the  havoc  was  so  dreadful  that  there  was  reason 
to  believe  the  whole  tribe  would  be  swept  away. 

It  would  not  be  the  first  time  that  such  an  annihilation 
has  taken  place  among  the  American  Indians.  The  treat- 
ment required  by  that  frightful  disease  is  precisely  the 
opposite  of  that  which  the  red  man  in  his  ignorance  pur- 
sues. When  small  pox  breaks  out  among  them,  there- 
fore, the  mortality  becomes  appalling. 

The  Crow  Indians  affiliated  with  the  trappers  and 
guided  them  to  a  secluded  valley,  where  they  established 
themselves  for  the  winter.  The  lodges  were  made 
strong  and  substantial,  and  it  was  fortunate  that  such 
precautions  were  taken,  for  the  winter  proved  one  of  the 
severest  known  for  many  years.  With  their  abundance 
of  fuel,  they  kept  enormous  fires  going  and  passed  the 
days  and  nights  in  comparative  comfort. 

But  it  was  far  different  with  their  stock.     During  the 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSO.V.  87 

severe  weather,  the  only  food  that  could  be  obtained  was 
the  bark  of  the  cottonwood.  The  inner  lining  of  this  is 
quite  palatable  to  animals  and  in  cases  of  extremity  it 
affords  temporary  sustenance  to  men.  With  its  help 
actual  starvation  was  kept  away,  though  it  came  very 
close. 

Unusual  weather  always  brings  unusual  experience, 
and  the  intense  cold  developed  an  annoyance  to  the  trap- 
pers upon  which  they  had  not  counted.  The  difficulty 
of  finding  food  was  felt  by  the  wild  animals  as  well  as 
domestic,  and  the  bisons  became  desperate.  When  they 
saw  the  horses  eating  their  fodder,  they  rushed  forward 
and  with  lowered  heads  drove  them  away.  If  a  horse  of 
mule  refused,  he  was  likely  to  be  gored  to  death. 

The  beasts  finally  became  so  numerous  and  fierce  they 
would  have  killed  all  the  stock  of  our  friends  if  they  had 
not  kindled  large  fires  and  mounted  constant  guard. 
When  the  weather  moderated  those  annoyances  ended. 

Had  any  explorer  of  the  west  found  his  way  to  the 
secluded  valley  where  the  trappers  were  in  winter  quar- 
ters, he  would  have  looked  upon  a  striking  scene.  The 
Crow  Indians  and  white  men  engaged  in  numerous  ath- 
letic sports  in  friendly  rivalry.  They  maintained  the  best 
of  terms,  and  when  the  bisons  departed,  the  strange  com- 
munity enjoyed  themselves  far  better  than  would  be  sup- 
posed.  In  truth  where  they  were  favored  with  such  rug- 
ged health  and  where  they  had  plenty  of  food  and  comfort- 
able quarters,  it  would  have  been  remarkable  had  they 


&S  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

not  been  comparatively  happy.  They  were  not  disturbed 
by  political  discussions  or  diversity  of  views  on  any  pub- 
lic questions  and  were  satisfied  that  the  glorious  Union 
was  safe  without  any  worriment  on  their  part. 

When  spring  came,  two  of  their  party  were  sent  to 
Fort  Laramie  to  procure  needed  supplies.  They  went  off 
well  mounted  and  armed  and  were  never  heard  of  again. 
Somewhere  in  the  recesses  of  the  forest  or  mountain,  the 
Blackfeet  had  probably  killed  them  as  they  had  done 
with  many  a  brave  man  before,  and  as  they  have  done 
with  multitudes  since. 

When  it  became  certain  the  messengers  had  been 
slain,  the  company  began  the  spring  hunt  without  them. 
After  trapping  a  brief  while  on  the  Yellowstone,  they 
worked  their  way  to  the  head  waters  of  the  Missouri 
They  met  with  fair  success  and  while  engaged  in  that 
section,  learned  that  the  reports  of  the  ravages  of  the 
small  pox  among  the  Blackfeet  had  been  greatly  exag- 
gerated. Instead  of  being  decimated,  the  tribe  had  not 
suffered  to  any  serious  extent  and  were  as  strong  and 
aggressive  as  ever. 

The  trappers  were  not  displeased  to  learn  that  such 
was  the  case,  for  they  desired  a  settlement  of  accounts 
with  them.  Under  such  circumstances  it  was  impossible 
that  hostilities  should  be  long  delayed. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

A  Fierce  Battle  with  the  Blackfeet— Daring  Act  of  Kit  Carson — 
Arrival  of  the  Reserves  and  End  of  the  Battle. 

WHEN  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Missouri,  the  trap- 
pers  discovered  they  were  approaching  the  principal 
village  of  the  Blackfeet.  They  determined  to  attack  and 
punish  the  Indians  who  had  caused  them  so  much 
.trouble  and  suffering ;  but  the  whites  were  so  numerous 
and  powerful  that  extreme  care  was  necessary  to  prevent 
their  presence  becoming  known. 

When  a  number  of  miles  from  the  village,  the  trappers 
came  to  a  halt,  and  Kit  Carson  with  several  men  was  sent 
forward  to  reconnoitre.  With  extreme  caution  they 
made  their  way  to  a  point  from  which  they  could  over- 
look the  village. 

A  glance  showed  the  Indians  hurriedly  making  ready 
to  move  elsewhere.  The  shrewd  red  men  had  discovered 
their  clanger  before  their  enemies  caught  sight  of  them. 
Carson  galloped  back  as  rapidly  as  he  could,  and  made 
known  what  had  been  seen.  A  council  was  hastily  called 
and  about  half  the  company  advanced  to  give  the  Black- 
feet  battle.  Kit  Carson,  as  might  be  supposed,  was  made 
the  leader.  The  others  were  to  guard  the  property, 
advance  slowly  and  act  as  reserve,  which  could  be  hur- 
ried forward  should  it  become  necessary. 


90  LIFE   OP   KIT  CARSON, 

As  agreed  upon,  Kit  Carson  galloped  ahead,  and  the 
moment  his  men  came  in  sight  of  the  village,  they 
dashed  through  it,  killing  a  number  of  warriors.  The 
others  slowly  fell  back,  righting  as  they  went,  and  with- 
out showing  the  least  panic.  They  received  charge  after 
charge  of  the  white  men,  with  the  steadiness  of  veterans. 
By  and  by  the  eagerness  of  the  trappers  reduced  their 
ammunition  and  their  firing  became  less  destructive.  The 
Blackfeet  were  quick  to  perceive  the  cause,  and  in  turn 
they  charged  upon  their  assailants  who  became  immedi- 
ately involved  in  a  desperate  hand-to-hand  fight.  It  was 
then  the  small  arms  in  the  possession  of  the  whites 
played  their  part.  They  were  used  with  such  effect, 
that  the  fierce  warriors  were  compelled  once  more  to 
retreat. 

But  the  courageous  red  men  recoiled  a  short  distance 
only,  when  they  halted  and  then,  with  exultant  yells, 
dashed  toward  the  trappers,  who  despite  all  they  could 
do,  were  forced  back  until  it  looked  as  if  the  whole  party 
would  be  overwhelmed  and  destroyed. 

On  this  retreat,  one  of  the  horses  belonging  to  the 
hunters  was  shot,  and  plunged  to  the  ground  so  suddenly 
that  his  rider  was  caught  before  he  could  spring  from  the 
saddle.  Several  of  the  warriors,  were  quick  to  perceive 
his  sore  straits,  and  dashed  toward  him,  eager  to  secure  his 
scalp.  The  poor  fellow  struggled  desperately,  but  could 
not  extricate  himself,  and  his  expression  of  horrified 
despair  when  he  perceived  the  fierce  red  men  running  a 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  91 

race  with  each  other  to  reach  him,  would  have  melted 
the  heart  of  almost  any  one. 

Carson  was  several  rods  distant,  but  seeing  the  danger 
of  his  friend,  he  bounded  out  of  his  saddle,  and  shouted 
to  the  others  to  rally  to  the  defence  of  their  imperilled 
comrade.  Kit  raised  his  rifle  while  on  the  run  and  shot 
the  leading  warrior  dead.  The  other  whites  were  so 
close  behind  that  the  remaining  Blackfeet  whirled  and 
ran  for  their  lives.  Several  of  them  were  shot  down 
before  they  could  reach  the  shelter  of  the  rocks  from 
behind  which  they  sprang  after  the  fallen  white  man. 

Carson's  devotion  to  his  friend  now  placed  him  in  an 
unpleasant  if  not  dangerous  situation.  His  steed  being 
without  restraint,  galloped  off  beyond  his  reach,  and  the 
commander  was  thus  left  on  foot,  when  there  was  urgent 
need  that  he  should  be  mounted. 

Meanwhile  the  mountaineer  who  was  caught  undet 
the  body  of  his  horse,  was  struggling  desperately  to 
withdraw  his  imprisoned  leg,  for  there  was  no  saying 
when  the  Blackfeet  would  be  upon  him  again.  He  suc- 
ceeded at  last,  and,  standing  upon  his  feet,  shook  him- 
self together,  as  may  be  said,  and  he  found  that  though 
pretty  badly  bruised,  no  bones  were  broken,  and  he  was 
able  to  do  his  full  part  in  the  serious  duty  before  him. 

The  exciting  episode  benefited  the  trappers  in  one 
respect:  it  served  to  check  the  seemingly  resistless  rush 
of  the  Blackfeet  and  gave  the  others  a  chance  to  rallv 
and  fix  upon  some  course  of  action. 


92  LIFE  OF  AY7  CARSON. 

Carson  ran  rapidly  toward  the  nearest  horseman  and 
sprang  upon  the  back  of  his  animal  behind  him.  The 
steed  was  forced  to  his  best  and  speedily  joined  the  main 
body  a  short  distance  off.  It  was  fortunate  that  just  at 
that  moment  there  came  a  lull  in  the  furious  fighting,  else 
Carson  could  scarcely  have  escaped  so  well.  The  runa- 
way horse  was  pursued  by  one  of  the  mountaineers  who 
finally  cornered  and  brought  him  back  to  their  leader. 

The  Blackfeet  did  not  follow  the  whites,  nor  did  the 
latter  return  to  their  charge  against  them.  Both  parties 
had  gained  a  thorough  taste  of  each  other's  mettle,  and 
the  conclusion  reached  was  like  that  of  two  trained  pugi- 
lists— their  strength  was  so  nearly  equal  that  neither 
could  afford  to  throw  away  his  advantage  by  leading  in 
the  assault. 

Undoubtedly  Carson  and  his  men  would  have  with- 
drawn but  for  the  hope  that  the  reserves  were  close  at 
hand.  The  trappers  had  fought  valiantly  but  not  more 
so  than  the  Indians,  who  still  possessed  plenty  ammuni- 
tion while  that  of  the  whites  was  nearly  exhausted.  Had 
they  advanced  and  encountered  the  warriors  again,  the 
latter  would  have  swept  everything  before  them.  As  it 
was,  the  mountaineers  were  by  no  means  safe  even  when 
acting  on  the  defensive.  If  the  red  men  should  charge 
upon  them  with  their  old  time  fierceness,  it  was  by  no 
means  certain  they  would  not  destroy  the  whites.  The 
fight  would  necessarily  be  of  the  most  sanguinary  nature, 
but  when  guns  and  small  arms  were  useless  for  lack  of 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  93 

ammunition,  nothing  short  of  a  miracle  could  save  them 
from  annihilation. 

Several  hours  had  gone  and  Carson  and  his  men  won- 
dered what  could  delay  the  reserves.  Time  always 
passes  slowly  to  those  in  waiting,  and  to  some  of  the 
hunters  the  tardiness  of  their  friends  was  unaccountable. 
Carson  was  on  the  point  of  sending  messengers  back  to 
hurry  them  forward,  when  the  whole  party  appeared  and 
the  situation  changed. 

But  those  who  expected  the  Blackfeet  to  flee  in  panic 
when  they  observed  the  doubling  of  the  assailing  forces, 
were  much  mistaken.  The  feeling  among  the  Indians 
could  not  be  described  as  in  the  least  "  panicky."  They 
quietly  surveyed  the  new  arrivals  and  prepared  with  the 
coolness  of  veterans  for  the  conflict  that  was  sure  to 
come,  within  the  next  few  minutes. 

The  powder  was  distributed  among  the  trappers  who 
were  more  eager  than  ever  to  attack  their  old 
enemies,  who  were  as  ready  as  they  for  the  conflict. 
Nearly  two  hundred  yards  separated  the  combatants, 
when  the  mountaineers,  leaving  their  horses  behind, 
advanced  on  foot.  The  Blackfeet  stationed  themselves 
behind  rocks  and  trees  and  defiantly  awaited  the  attack. 

In  a  few  minutes  the  most  savage  fight  of  the  day  was 
raging.  A  hundred  rifles  were  flashing  in  every  direction 
and  the  yells  of  the  red  men  mingled  with  the  shouts  of 
the  excited  mountaineers. 

As  the  warriors   had   used   every  means  to   shelter 


94  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

themselves,  it  was  necessary  to  dislodge  them  before  they 
could  be  driven  back.  Without  remaining  together  in  a 
compact  mass,  the  trappers  made  for  them  with  the 
fierceness  of  tigers. 

The  result  of  this  charge  were  a  number  of  remark- 
able combats.  A  hunter  would  dash  at  a  warrior  crouch- 
ing behind  some  rock,  and  the  two  would  begin  dodging, 
advancing,  retreating,  firing,  striking  and  manceuvering 
against  each  other.  Sometimes  one  would  succeed  and 
sometimes  the  other.  The  Blackfoot,  finding  the  situa- 
tion becoming  too  hot,  would  break  for  other  cover  and 
probably  would  be  shot  on  the  run  or  would  escape 
altogether.  Again,  it  would  be  the  white  man  who 
would  be  just  a  second  too  late  in  discharging  his  gun 
and  would  pay  the  penalty  with  his  life. 

At  last  the  Indians  began  falling  back  and  the  moun- 
taineers, pushing  them  hard,  they  finally  broke  and  fled 
in  a  wild  panic,  leaving  many  dead  behind  them.  On 
the  part  of  the  trappers  three  had  been  killed  and  quite  a 
number  badly  wounded. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

At  Brown's  Hole — Trading  in  the  Navajoe  Country— Carson 
Serves  as  Hunter  at  Brown's  Hole— Trapping  in  the  Black 
Hills— On  the  Yellowstone— Fight  with  the  Blackfeet — Their 
Retreat  to  an  Island— Their  Flight  During  the  Night— An 
Imposing  Array  of  Warriors. 

THE  fight  between  the  Blackfeet  and  trappers  was  one 
of  the  most  important  in  which  Kit  Carson,  previous  to 
the  late  war,  was  ever  engaged.  The  forces  must  have 
included  several  hundred,  and  the  lesson  administered 
to  the  aggressive  red  men  was  remembered  by  them  a 
long  time. 

After  burying  their  dead,  looking  after  the  wounded 
and  setting  matters  to  rights,  the  hunters  resumed  trapping 
through  the  Blackfoot  country.  They  were  scarcely  dis- 
turbed by  their  old  enemies  who  dreaded  rousing  the 
resentment  of  such  a  formidable  body  of  daring  and 
unerring  marksmen. 

Our  friends  were  very  successful,  and,  when  they  made 
their  way  to  the  rendezvous,  a  week's  journey  away,  they 
carried  with  them  an  immense  stock  of  peltries.  When 
the  trading  was  finished,  the  parties  made  new  combina- 
tions and  departed  in  different  directions.  Instead  of 
attaching  himself  to  a  large  company,  Kit  Carson  and 
seven  choice  spirits  started  for  a  trading  post  known  at 

95 


96  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

that  time  as  Brown's  Hole.  They  reached  there  just  in 
time  for  the  leader  to  join  an  expedition,  numbering  only 
two  beside  himself,  which  went  into  the  Navajoe  country 
for  purposes  of  barter.  The  venture  proved  a  great  suc- 
cess and  Carson  drifted  back  again  to  Brown's  Hole. 
There  such  liberal  offers  were  made  him  to  serve  as 
hunter  for  the  fort,  that  he  accepted  and  entered  upon  his 
rather  singular,  but  exceedingly  congenial  duties. 

These,  as  the  reader  must  know,  simply  consisted  of 
keeping  the  garrison  supplied  with  all  the  meat  they 
needed.  Though  the  country  was  noted  for  its  fine  game, 
it  required  much  time,  skill  and  patience  for  Carson  tc 
make  sure  that  none  of  the  vigorous  appetites  at  the 
post  suffered.  No  one  could  have  done  better  and  very 
few  as  well  as  he.  When  spring  came,  and  he  gave  up 
his  position,  he  was  complimented  by  those  whom  he 
left  behind  on  the  admirable  manner  in  which  he  had 
met  all  requirements. 

During  those  years  there  was  much  similarity  in  the 
life  and  experience  of  Kit  Carson.  He  had  become 
known  all  through  the  west  and  southwest  as  the  most 
daring,  sagacious  and  brilliant  leader  in  that  country. 
His  services  were  in  demand  wherever  he  went,  and  as 
he  was  in  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  health,  overrunning 
with  life  and  activity,  he  made  money  rapidly  and  showed 
his  wisdom  by  laying  aside  a  respectable  sum  for  a  rainy 
day. 

In   the   spring  following   his   engagement  at  Brown's 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  97 

Hole,  he  went  with  a  small  party  to  the  Black  Mills, 
where  they  were  quite  successful  in  hunting.  Later  in 
the  summer  they  joined  the  main  body  of  trappers  on 
Green  River.  All  meeting  at  the  general  rendezvous  on 
a  branch  of  the  Wind  River.  Still  later,  the  majority  of 
the  trappers  went  into  winter  quarters  on  the  Yellowstone. 
They  were  again  in  the  country  of  their  bitter  enemies,  the 
Blackfeet,  and  were  certain  of  a  fight  with  them ;  but 
several  months  passed  without  molestation. 

One  day,  however,  several  of  the  trappers  who  were 
making  the  rounds  of  the  traps,  came  upon  signs  which 
showed  they  were  close  to  a  strong  force  of  the  Black- 
feet.  The  men  lost  no  time  in  hurrying  back  to  camp 
with  the  news,  where  it  was  agreed  that  trouble  was  at 
nand. 

Forty  men  were  selected  at  once  to  hunt  out  the 
Indians  and  engage  them  in  battle.  It  goes  without  say- 
ing, that  Kit  Carson  was  made  the  leader  and  there  was 
not  a  moment's  unnecessary  delay  in  starting  out  to  find 
the  enemy. 

They  were  successful  in  their  search.  They  suddenly 
found  themselves  in  the  presence  of  a  scouting  party, 
who  were  undoubtedly  looking  for  them ;  but  perceiving 
the  strength  of  the  whites,  they  began  retreating.  Carson 
and  his  men  pressed  them  hotly,  when,  as  anticipated, 
they  fell  back  on  the  main  body  and  one  of  the  old- 
fashioned  battles  between  trappers  and  Indians  began. 

The  Blackfeet  always  fight  bravely,  and,  for  a  time, 
7 


98  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

they  held  their  ground  well,  but  they  were  forced  to  give 
way  and  retired  to  a  small  island  in  the  Yellowstone, 
where  they  had  thrown  up  rude  fortifications  and  felt  able 
to  hold  their  own  against  a  much  superior  force. 

Darkness  closed  in  upon  the  contending  forces,  and 
the  assailants  ceased  firing  and  encamped  for  the  night 
on  the  bank  of  the  river.  They  were  on  the  qui  vive 
through  the  still  hours,  and  so  eager  for  the  attack  that 
with  the  earliest  streakings  of  light  in  the  east,  they 
plunged  into  the  stream  and  made  for  the  barricades.  It 
was  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  Blackfeet  would  be  taken 
off  their  guard,  and  the  trappers  expected  to  reach  the 
defences  through  a  hot  fusilade  from  the  dusky  defenders. 

To  their  surprise,  however,  not  a  single  gun  was  dis- 
charged and  they  rushed  pell  mell  over  the  rugged  forti- 
fications to  engage  the  enemy  in  hand-to-hand  conflict. 
To  their  chagrin,  however,  not  a  solitary  Blackfoot  was 
visible.  Despite  the  watchfulness  of  the  white  men,  the 
entire  Indian  force  had  withdrawn  during  the  night  with- 
out arousing  the  least  suspicion  on  the  part  of  the 
watchers. 

But  the  trappers  were  too  wise  to  misconstrue  the 
action  of  the  Blackfeet.  Their  withdrawal  was  a  strategic 
movement,  and  did  not  by  any  means  signify  they  were 
afraid  of  the  large  force  or  that  they  would  prefer  not  to 
molest  them.  The  signs  around  the  fortifications  showed 
that  the  Indians  had  suffered  severely  and  they  would 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  99 

never  content  themselves  until  full  retaliation  had  been 
made. 

The  trappers  returned  to  camp,  where  a  long  council 
was  held.  The  conclusion  was  that  the  Blackfoot  village 
was  near  by,  and  when  they  learned  of  the  severe  punish- 
ment received  by  the  scouting  party,  they  would  lose  no 
time  in  entering  upon  a  campaign  of  revenge.  As  the 
Blackfeet  nation  included  several  thousand  warriors,  there 
was  reason  to  fear  they  would  overwhelm  the  trappers, 
despite  their  bravery  and  skill.  Barricades  were  thrown 
up  and  the  best  men  stationed  as  sentinels. '  One  of  them 
hastened  to  the  top  of  an  adjoining  hill,  which  com- 
manded an  extensive  view  of  the  surrounding  country. 

The  sentinel  had  been  in  position  but  a  short  time, 
when  he  signalled  to  his  friends  the  approach  of  a  large 
body  of  Indians.  The  hunters  immediately  began 
strengthening  their  defences,  and  before  the  redskins 
arrived,  they  had  rendered  their  position  almost  impreg- 
nable against  any  force  that  could  be  gathered  in  the 
country. 

As  the  Blackfeet  approached,  the  sentinel  hurried  down 
from  the  hill  and  joined  the  main  body.  Shortly  after, 
the  advance  party  of  Blackfeet  came  in  sight  and  made  a 
reconnoissance  which  apprised  them  of  the  nature  of  the 
defences.  They  did  not  fire  a  shot  but  waited  until  the 
arrival  of  the  main  band. 

When  that  came  in  sight,  it  was  enough  to  strike  dis- 
may into  every  heart.  There  were  few  if  any  less  than 


100  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

a  thousand  warriors.  Dr.  Peters,  the  biographer  of  Car. 
son, says : 

"  It  was  a  sight  which  few  white  men  of  the  American 
nation  have  looked  upon.  Arrayed  in  their  fantastic  war 
costume  and  bedaubed  with  paint,  armed  with  lances, 
bows  and  arrows,  rifles,  tomahawks,  knives,  etc.,  some 
mounted  and  some  on  foot,  they  presented  a  wild  and 
fearful  scene  of  barbaric  fancy. 

"  Soon  after  their  last  company  had  reported,  the 
frightful  war  dance,  peculiar  to  the  American  savages, 
was  enacted  in  sight  of  the  trappers'  position.  The  bat- 
tle songs  and  shouts  which  accompanied  the  dance 
reached  the  ears  of  the  whites  with  fearful  distinctness. 
Any  other  than  hearts  of  oak  with  courage  of  steel  would 
have  quailed  before  this  terrible  display  of  savage  enmity 
and  ferocity.  This  dance,  to  men,  well  skilled  in  the 
ways  of  the  Indian  warrior,  was  a  sure  signal  that  the 
next  day  would  be  certain  to  have  a  fearful  history  for 
one  party  or  the  other  and  doubtless  for  both.  The  odds, 
most  assuredly,  were  apparently  greatly  in  favor  of  the 
savage  host  and  against  the  little  band  of  hardy  moun- 
taineers." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  Morrow — Withdrawal  of  the  Indian  Army — At  Fort  Hall — 
In  the  Blackfoot  Country— The  Ambush— The  Trappers  Decide 
to  Withdraw — Trapping  in  Other  Localities — Carson  Decides  to 
Abandon  the  Business — Visits  Bent's  Fort  Where  He  Serves  as 
Hunter  for  Eight  Years. 

HAVING  gone  through  what  the  red  men  consider  the 
necessary  preliminaries  of  such  a  grand  campaign,  the 
vast  number  of  warriors  awaited  the  dawn  that  was  to 
witness  the  annihilation  of  the  entire  force  that  had  dared 
to  venture  upon  their  hunting  grounds  without  so  much 
as  asking  permission. 

It  was  scarcely  light  when  the  imposing  array  advanced 
upon  the  mountaineers  who  coolly  awaited  their 
approach.  When  the  Blackfeet  came  close  enough  to 
see  the  fortifications  thrown  up  by  the  whites,  they  were 
astonished.  They  knew  from  previous  experience  the 
strength  of  such  means  of  defence  and  suddenly  lost 
their  eagerness  to  make  the  attack. 

After  a  full  survey  of  the  work  before  them,  they  con- 
cluded the  task  was  beyond  accomplishment.  The 
magnificent  force,  therefore,  began  withdrawing.  It  was 
the  turn  of  the  trappers  to  feel  disappointed.  They  had 
not  thought  of  any  such  issue  and  were  enraged.  They 
shouted  and  made  tantalizing  gestures  to  the  Blackfeet, 

101 


102  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

in  the  hope  of  goading  them  to  stand  their  ground,  but 
they  were  too  wise  to  do  so.  They  retreated  to  a  safe 
point  where  a  council  of  war  was  held.  It  was  not  to  be 
expected  that  after  such  an  abrupt  withdrawal,  they  could 
summon  enough  courage  to  make  the  assault. 

When  the  conference  was  over,  the  Indian  army,  as  it 
may  be  called,  broke  into  two  divisions,  one  of  which 
went  back  toward  their  own  village  while  the  other  set 
their  faces  toward  the  Crow  country.  Uncertain  whether 
they  would  not  reappear  when  they  believed  there  was 
hope  of  surprising  the  mountaineers,  the  latter  main- 
tained their  vigilance  day  and  night. 

It  may  have  been  that  the  red  men  made  several 
reconnoissances,  but,  if  so,  they  concluded  it  would  be 
imprudent  to  attack  the  mountaineers  who  held  their 
position  and  continued  trapping  as  opportunity  presented 
through  the  winter. 

After  trapping  in  various  localities,  Kit  Carson  and 
several  friends  visited  Fort  Hall,  where  they  joined  a  party 
in  the  employ  of  the  Northwest  Fur  Company.  They 
trapped  around  the  head  of  Salmon  River  and  other 
streams,  and  finally  returned  to  Fort  Hall,  where  the 
peltries  were  sold  for  a  fair  valuation.  Then  Carson  and 
a  few  others  set  out  to  join  a  party  which  he  knew  was 
trapping  in  the  Blackfoot  country.  Upon  coming  up 
with  them,  he  was  told  that  they  had  had  several  sharp 
skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  in  one  of  which  a  trapper 
was  severely  wounded.  The  following  morning,  Carson 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  103 

and  his  comrades  parted  from  the  rest  and  were  trapping 
slowly  up  stream,  when  they  were  fired  upon  by  Black- 
feet  and  compelled  to  retreat.  They  hurried  back  and 
succeeded  in  escaping  a  serious  danger ;  but  the  pursuit 
was  so  close  that  Carson  hastily  stationed  his  men  in 
ambush.  A  hot  fire  dropped  several  of  the  warriors  and 
caused  the  others  to  hesitate. 

The  halt  was  just  long  enough  to  allow  the  trappers  to 
reload  their  pieces,  when  the  Blackfeet  made  a  fiercer 
rush  than  before;  but  with  that  pertinacious  courage  for 
which  the  tribe  is  noted,  they  kept  up  the  fight  through 
the  rest  of  the  day,  determined  to  throw  away  no  advant- 
age they  might  gain.  Had  Carson  chosen  his  position 
with  less  judgment,  he  and  his  command  must  have  been 
overwhelmed,  for  nothing  could  have  exceeded  the  daring 
of  their  assailants,  who  in  their  desperation  set  fire  to  the 
thicket  in  which  the  mountaineers  had  ensconced  them- 
selves ;  but  the  shrubbery  was  too  green  to  burn  well, 
and,  after  a  little  while,  it  died  out.  Then  it  must  have 
been  the  red  men  concluded  it  was  useless  to  strive 
further,  and,  learning  that  the  main  body  of  the  trappers 
were  not  far  off,  they  departed. 

The  annoyance  from  these  Indians  was  so  great  that  it 
was  decided  to  leave  the  country.  While  the  trappers 
were  able  to  hold  their  own  against  them,  yet  it  was 
impossible  to  make  much  progress  in  taking  furs,  when 
their  attention  was  mainly  taken  up  in  fighting  the  war- 


104  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

riors,  who  varied  their  shooting  by  destroying  the  traps 
that  were  set  for  the  beavers. 

The  next  scene  of  operations  was  the  North  Fork  of 
the  Missouri  where  they  had  been  engaged  only  a  short 
time  when  they  came  upon  an  extensive  village  of  Flat- 
head  Indians.  These  showed  their  friendliness  to  the 
trappers  by  sending  one  of  their  chiefs  and  a  number  of 
warriors  who  helped  them  hunt  along  the  different 
streams. 

The  following  spring  Carson  and  a  single  companion 
set  their  traps  in  the  vicinity  of  Big  Snake  River.  This 
was  the  country  of  the  Utah  Indians,  who  were  well  dis- 
posed towards  the  whites.  Thus,  while  furs  were  plenty, 
the  couple  were  enabled  to  devote  their  whole  time  to 
taking  them,  without  fear  of  being  fired  upon  every  time 
they  ventured  out  of  sight  of  camp.  As  a  consequence, 
they  succeeded  beyond  their  own  expectations,  and, 
making  their  way  to  the  nearest  post,  sold  the  stock  for  a 
fair  sum. 

The  peltries  were  scarcely  disposed  of,  when  Carson 
organized  another  expedition  which  visited  the  Grand 
River,  over  which  they  trapped  until  winter,  when  they 
returned  to  Brown's  Hole,  where  Carson  remained  until 
spring.  Then  he  trapped  once  more  in  the  land  of  the 
Utahs  and  at  New  Park,  taking  their  furs  to  the  post 
where  he  was  obliged  to  sell  them  for  a  much  less  sum 
than  he  had  ever  received  before. 

The   transaction   had   an   important  bearing   on   the 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  105 

fortunes  of  Kit  Carson,  for  it  was  proof  of  an  unpleasant 
truth  that  had  been  forcing  itself  for  a  number  of  months 
upon  him:  the  days  of  remunerative  trapping  were  ended. 

For  years,  the  demand  had  been  growing  steadily  less 
both  in  Europe  and  America.  The  ingenuity  of  the 
manufacturer  showed  itself  in  the  make  of  cheaper  sub- 
stitutes, while  the  beavers  that  had  been  hunted  so  per- 
sistently were  becoming  scarce:  there  were  few  regions 
in  which  trapping  could  be  pursued  with  any  success. 

Nothing  could  be  plainer,  therefore,  to  Carson  than  the 
fact  that  he  must  soon  give  up  the  business  and  engage 
in  something  else  to  gain  a  livelihood.  What  should 
it  be? 

Carson  and  several  veteran  trappers  started  for  Bent's 
Fort,  located  on  the  Arkansas,  near  an  immense  forest 
of  cottonwoods,  known  as  the  Big  Timbers.  Messrs. 
Bent  and  St.  Vrain,  the  proprietors  no  sooner  learned  that 
Carson  contemplated  a  change  of  occupation,  than  they 
offered  him  the  position  of  hunter  for  the  fort,  his  duties 
being  to  keep  it  supplied  with  all  the  game  that  was 
required. 

Carson  was  more  willing  to  accept  the  offer  than  he 
would  have  been  under  other  circumstances.  He  agreed 
that  the  large  number  of  men  should  never  want  for 
animal  food,  and,  having  given  his  promise,  he  kept  it 
most  faithfully  for  a  period  of  eight  years. 

This  statement  includes  a  great  deal,  for  it  means  that 
his  wonderful  rifle  brought  down  thousands  of  deer, 


106  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

antelope,  elk  and  bisons ;  that  he  tramped  over  hundreds 
of  leagues  of  wilderness;  that  his  splendid  health  never 
failed  him,  and  that  his  knowledge  of  the  woods  and  its 
inhabitants  was  as  full  and  complete  as  it  could  be. 

Furthermore,  it  is  stated  by  Dr.  Peters,  that  during 
that  entire  period,  not  a  single  impatient  word  passed 
between  Carson  and  his  employers.  He  attended  to  his 
duties  with  such  regularity,  promptness  and  skill  that 
the  only  comments  they  could  make  on  his  work  were  in 
the  nature  of  strong  compliments. 

Inasmuch  as  we  have  claimed  that  Carson  was  the 
superior  in  every  respect  of  those  with  whom  he  was 
associated,  we  must  dwell  for  a  moment  on  this  fact.  Let 
the  reader  ask  himself  how  many  cases  he  knows  where 
the  term  of  service  has  been  so  long,  in  which  not  a  single 
unkind  word  has  passed  between  employer  and  employee. 

His  occupation  as  hunter  was  not  monotonous,  for 
where  there  were  so  many  to  provide  for,  difficult  and 
dangerous  work  was  required  and  the  journeys  which  he 
often  made  through  the  long  stretches  of  wilderness  were 
sometimes  attended  with  much  personal  danger. 

But  the  surrounding  tribes,  including  the  Arapahoes, 
Kiowas,  Cheyennes,  Comanches  and  others,  looked  upon 
the  great  hunter  with  affectionate  admiration  and  no 
guest  was  more  welcome  and  honored  in  their  lodges 
than  he, 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Carson  Visits  his  Old  Home  in  Missouri— He  Goes  to  St.  Louis-^ 
Voyage  up  the  Missouri — Makes  the  Acquaintance  of  Lieu* 
tenant  John  C.  Fremont — Is  engaged  as  a  Guide  for  Fre- 
mont's First  Expedition — The  Start  Westward — Various  Mis- 
haps— The  Emigrants — The  False  Alarm- 

KIT  CARSON  had  left  his  home  in  Missouri  when  only 
a  boy  and  he  was  now  in  the  prime  of  a  vigorous  young 
manhood.  The  years  since  he  turned  his  back  upon  his 
old  home,  had  been  busy  and  eventful  ones  and  now,  as 
is  often  the  case  with  those  placed  as  was  he,  he  longed 
to  visit  the  scenes  of  his  childhood,  and  to  meet  and 
shake  the  hands  of  those  of  his  old  friends  who  were 
still  among  the  living. 

In  the  spring  of  1842,  Carson  went  eastward  with  a 
train  of  wagons,  carrying  goods  to  the  States.  When 
the  borders  of  Missouri  were  reached,  he  bade  his  com- 
panions good-bye  and  made  his  way  back  to  his  old 
home.  His  experience  was  touching.  His  parents  were 
dead,  the  old  building  which  would  ever  linger  in  his 
memory,  had  tumbled  down  and  nearly  every  one  whom 
he  met  was  a  stranger.  The  cheeks  of  the  hardy 
mountaineer  were  wet  with  tears,  and  with  a  sigh,  he 
turned  his  face  away  forever. 

107 


108  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Carson  had  never  seen  a  large  city,  and  he  made  his 
way  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  spent  more  than  a  week  in 
sight  seeing.  Before  the  end  of  that  time,  the  old  yearn- 
ing for  the  mountains,  prairies  and  streams  of  the  West 
came  back  to  him,  and  he  engaged  passage  on  a  steamer 
up  the  Missouri. 

On  the  same  boat  John  C.  Fremont  was  a  passenger 
He  was  two  years  younger  than  Carson  and  had  been 
commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  in  the  Corps  of  Topo- 
graphical Engineers,  in  1838.  Four  years  later  he  pro- 
jected a  geographical  survey  of  the  entire  territory  ot 
the  United  States  from  the  Missouri  River  to  the  Pacific. 

Carson  was  attracted  by  the  fine,  manly  and  intellec- 
tual appearance  of  Fremont,  and,  learning  he  was  in 
search  of  a  skilful  mountaineer,  he  introduced  himself, 
referring  in  a  modest  fashion  to  his  experience  in  the 
west  and  expressing  the  belief  that  he  could  be  of  service 
to  the  explorer, 

Fremont  was  an  excellent  judge  of  character  and  was 
favorably  impressed  with  Carson  from  the  first.  The 
answers  to  the  inquiries  which  he  made  concerning  the 
famous  guide  and  mountaineer,  were  satisfactory  in  the 
highest  degree.  He  engaged  Carson  as  his  guide,  agree- 
ing to  pay  him  a  salary  of  one  hundred  dollars  a  month. 

The  party  of  explorers  were  mainly  gathered  in  St. 
Louis.  It  was  composed  mostly  of  Creole  and  Canadian 
voyageurs,  Charles  Preuss,  a  learned  German,  a  young  son 
of  Colonel  Benton  (which  statesman  was  the  father-in- 


LIFE  Or  KIT  CARSO".  109 

law  of  Fremont),  several  other  friends,  including  a  noted 
mountaineer  named  Maxwell,  who  was  employed  as  the 
hunter  of  the  party.  Including  the  commander,  the 
entire  company  numbered  twenty-eight. 

With  this  party  of  explorers  Fremont  ascended  the 
Missouri  until  the  mouth  of  the  Kansas  was  reached, 
when  they  disembarked  and  made  their  preparations  for 
the  long  and  dangerous  journey  before  them.  The 
march  westward  began  June  10,  1842. 

The  course  lay  along  the  banks  of  the  Kansas.  All 
the  party  were  well  armed  and  well  mounted,  excepting 
eight  men,  each  of  whom  drove  a  cart,  drawn  by  two 
mules.  These  carts  contained  the  stores,  baggage  and 
instruments  of  the  expedition.  A  number  of  spare 
horses  were  taken  along,  so  as  to  provide  against  loss 
in  that  respect.  In  addition,  they  had  four  oxen 
intended  to  serve  as  a  reserve  in  the  event  of  provisions 
running  short. 

It  was  the  custom  to  arouse  the  camp  at  day-break 
and  turn  out  the  animals  to  graze;  breakfast  followed 
and  the  march  was  begun.  The  noon  halt  lasted  from 
one  to  two  hours  and  the  afternoon's  march  ended  a 
short  time  before  sunset.  The  tents  were  then  pitched, 
horses  hobbled  and  turned  out  to  graze,  and  the  evening 
meal  prepared.  When  it  became  dark,  all  the  animals 
were  brought  in  and  picketed,  the  carts  arranged  so  as 
to  serve  as  barricades  and  guard  mounted. 

An  Indian  guide  conducted  the  expedition  for  the  first 


1 10  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

forty  miles  along  the  Kansas,  when  he  departed  and  the 
responsibility  was  turned  over  to  Carson.  The  pilot  had 
guided  the  steamer  out  of  the  harbor  and  upon  the  great 
ocean,  and  henceforth  the  hand  of  Carson  was  to  be  at 
'the  helm. 

The  soil  over  which  they  journeyed  for  many  miles 
was  of  the  most  fertile  character.  Numbers  of  Indian 
farms  were  seen,  and  one  could  not  but  reflect  on  the 
possibilities  of  the  future  for  the  red  man,  who  should 
abandon  war  and  give  his  energies  to  the  cultivation  of 
the  ground. 

Such  an  expedition  could  not  go  far  without  a  taste  of 
the  trials  that  awaited  them.  On  the  second  night,  the 
four  spare  horses  seemed  to  become  disgusted  with  the 
whole  enterprise,  and  turning  theii  heads  eastward 
started  on  a  rapid  gallop  for  the  States.  Their  loss  was 
too  serious  to  be  borne,  and  a  number  of  men  were  dis- 
patched in  pursuit.  The  chase  was  a  long  one  and  the 
animals  were  not  recovered  for  several  hours.  One  of 
the  men  lost  his  way  and  was  forced  to  spend  the  night 
on  the  open  prairie.  At  mid-night  it  began  to  rain,  and 
then  the  exceedingly  unpleasant  discovery  was  made  that 
the  tents  on  which  the  explorers  relied  for  protection  and 
shelter  were  so  thin  that  they  were  drenched  as  if  the 
water  came  th  rough  a  sieve. 

The  morning,  however  brought  clear  weather  and 
bright  sunlight,  and  all  were  in  high  spirits.  The 
scenery  for  a  time  was  of  a  pleasing  and  picturesque 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  1 1 ! 

character,  and  they  pushed  contentedly  forward,  until 
they  arrived  at  the  ford  of  the  Kansas,  one  hundred 
miles  from  the  point  where  it  emptied  into  the  Missouri. 

The  stream  was  found  so  swollen  from  recent  rains 
that  it  could  not  be  forded.  Accordingly  several  of  the 
mounted  men  forced  their  animals  into  the  stream  and 
swam  them  across  to  serve  as  guides  for  the  rest.  They 
succeeded  quite  well,  excepting  the  oxen,  which,  after 
floundering  awhile,  landed  on  the  same  side  from  which 
they  started.  The  following  morning  they  succeeded  in 
crossing. 

Among  the  useful  articles  with  which  Fremont  had 
provided  himself,  was  an  India  rubber  boat,  twenty  feet 
long  and  five  feet  wide.  This  was  very  buoyant  and  the 
carts  and  baggage  were  carried  over  piece  meal  in  it, 
with  the  exception  of  the  last  two  carts.  Laden  with 
these  the  boat  left  the  shore  but  had  not  gone  far  when  the 
man  at  the  helm,  who  was  exceedingly  nervous,  managed 
to  capsize  the  craft,  with  all  its  precious  cargo.  The 
hunters  were  so  dismayed  over  the  prospect  of  losing 
their  stores  that  nearly  all  plunged  into  the  stream  and 
made  frantic  efforts  to  save  what  they  could.  Several 
did  not  stop  to  remember  that  they  could  not  swim,  so 
that  the  principal  efforts  of  some  of  the  others  were 
directed  to  saving  them. 

Most  of  the  goods  were  recovered,  but  nearly  all  the 
sugar  dissolved  and  every  grain  of  coffee  was  lost.  It 
would  be  hard  to  imagine  any  deprivation  greater  than 


112  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

that  to  which  this  misfortune  condemned  the  explorers. 
Carson  and  one  of  the  others  made  such  strenuous  efforts 
in  the  water  that  they  were  ill  the  next  day,  and  Fremont 
remained  in  camp  for  twenty-four  hours  with  a  view  of 
giving  them  time  to  recruit. 

The  journey  westward  progressed  without  any  special 
incident.  A  large  party  of  emigrants  on  their  way  to 
Oregon  were  several  weeks  in  advance  of  the  explorers. 
Bad  fortune  seemed  to  have  followed  them  from  the 
start,  and  numerous  freshly  made  graves  were  seen.  One 
of  the  emigrants  who  had  been  peculiarly  unfortunate, 
came  into  camp  with  a  hunter  on  his  way  home.  He  took 
charge  of  the  letters  which  the  explorers  desired  to  send 
to  their  families. 

The  party  soon  reached  the  Pawnee  country  where 
they  were  forced  to  unusual  vigilance,  for  those  Indians 
have  long  been  noted  as  most  persistent  horse  thieves. 
Game  was  abundant.  Large  flocks  of  wild  turkeys  were 
found  roosting  in  the  trees  along  the  streams ;  elk,  ante., 
lope  and  deer  were  plentiful,  and  as  for  bisons,  they  were 
beyond  all  computation. 

One  day  a  member  of  the  company  happened  to  be 
riding  at  the  rear  galloped  up  in  hot  haste,  shouting, 
"Indians!''  He  declared  that  he  had  seen  them  dis- 
tinctly and  counted  twenty-seven.  An  immediate  halt 
was  called,  and  Carson,  leaping  on  one  of  the  fleetest 
horses  crossed  the  river  and  galloped  over  the  prairie. 
"Mounted  on  a  fine  horse  without  a  saddle,"  says  Fre- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  113 

mont,  "and  scouring,  bareheaded,  over  the  prairies,  Kit 
was  one  of  the  finest  pictures  of  a  horseman  I  have  ever 
seen.  He  soon  returned  quite  leisurely,  and  informed 
them  that  the  party  of  twenty-seven  Indians  had  resolved 
itself  into  a  herd  of  six  elk  who,  having  discovered  us, 
had  scampered  off  at  full  speed." 
8 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

On  the  Platte — A  False  Alarm — The  Cheyennes — Fremont's 
Account  of  his  Buffalo  Hunt — Division  of  the  Party — Fremont's 
Journey  up  the  South  Fork — The  Band  of  Indians — Arrival  at 
St.  Vrain's  Fort — The  Journey  to  Fort  Laramie. 

FREMONT  and  his  party,  after  traveling  something  over 
three  hundred  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Kansas 
reached  the  Platte  river,  where  they  encamped  in  a 
charming  place  near  Grand  Island.  The  country  was 
most  beautiful,  though  they  suffered  somewhat  from  the 
violent  storms  which  frequently  broke  over  them. 

The  noon  halt  was  made  and  all  were  lounging  about 
the  camp,  when  one  of  the  men  on  guard  called  an 
alarm.  Everybody  sprang  to  his  feet  and  grasped  his 
rifle,  expecting  an  attack  from  Indians.  A  strange  wild 
looking  company  were  seen  approaching,  but,  as  they 
came  closer,  they  were  discovered  to  be  white  men.  They 
were  a  striking  sight,  numbering  fourteen,  in  the  most 
ragged  and  woe-begone  condition  imaginable.  They 
had  been  on  a  trapping  expedition,  but  having  met  with 
nothing  but  disasters  from  the  beginning,  were  now 
straggling  back  to  St.  Louis  on  foot. 

The  explorers  proceeded  at  a  leisurely  pace  that  day, 
and  having    gone    into    camp,   observed   three   Indians 
drawing  near,  one  of  whom  was  a  boy  about  a  dozen 
114 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  115 

years  of  age.  They  were  Cheyennes  that  had  been  out 
among  the  Pawnees  to  steal  horses,  but  having  met  with 
no  success,  were  returning  home.  Catching  sight  of  the 
white  men,  they  unhesitatingly  entered  camp,  confident 
of  being  treated  well,  as  of  course  proved  to  be  the  case. 
After  supper  one  of  the  warriors  drew  a  rude  but  correct 
map  of  the  country  around  them,  and  gave  it  to  Fre- 
mont. 

On  the  first  of  July,  while  riding  over  a  delightful 
prairie  country,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  a  herd  of 
buffaloes,  numbering  nearly  a  thousand,  came  up  from 
the  water  and  began  slowly  crossing  the  plain,  cropping 
the  grass  as  they  went.  As  the  prairie  was  three  miles 
broad  only,  a  fine  opportunity  was  given  the  hunters  to 
charge  before  the  animals  could  scatter  among  the  hills. 

The  fleetest  horses  were  quickly  saddled  and  Carson, 
Fremont,  and  Maxwell  prepared  for  the  chase.  By  that 
time  the  herd  was  a  half  mile  away  and  they  did  not 
notice  the  hunters  until  they  were  within  three  hundred 
yards.  Then  followed  an  agitation  of  the  animals,  quickly 
followed  by  their  precipitate  flight.  The  horses  dashed 
after  them.  A  crowd  of  bulls  brought  up  the  rear,  they 
having  stationed  themselves  there  to  defend  the  females. 
Every  once  in  a  while  they  would  whirl  about  and  stare, 
snorting  at  the  horsemen,  as  if  they  had  made  up  their 
minds  to  fight;  but  when  the  hunters  came  nigher,  they 
turned  about  and  plunged  after  the  herd.  Describing  the 
exciting  incident,  Fremont  wrote: 


Il6  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

"  In  a  few  moments,  during  which  we  had  been  quick- 
ening  our  pace,  we  were  going  over  the  ground  like  a 
hurricane.  When  at  about  thirty  yards  we  gave  the 
usual  shout  and  broke  into  the  herd.  We  entered  on  the 
side,  the  mass  giving  away  in  every  direction  in  their 
heedless  course.  Many  of  the  bulls,  less  fleet  than  the 
cows,  paying  no  heed  to  the  ground,  and  occupied  solely 
with  the  hunters,  were  precipitated  to  the  earth  with 
great  force,  rolling  over  and  over  with  the  violence  of  the 
shock,  and  hardly  distinguishable  in  the  dust.  We  sepa- 
rated, on  entering,  each  singling  out  his  game. 

"  My  horse  was  a  trained  hunter,  famous  in  the  west 
under  the  name  of  Proveau,  and  with  his  eyes  flashing 
and  the  foam  flying  from  his  mouth;  he  sprang  on  after 
the  cow  like  a  tiger.  In  a  few  moments  he  brought  me 
alongside  of  her.  Rising  in  the  stirrups,  I  fired,  at  the 
distance  of  a  yard,  the  ball  entering  at  the  termination  of 
the  long  hair,  passing  near  the  heart.  She  fell  headlong 
at  the  report  of  the  gun.  Checking  my  horse,  I  looked 
around  for  my  companions. 

"  At  a  little  distance  Kit  was  on  the  ground  engaged 
in  tying  his  horse  to  the  horns  of  a  cow,  which  he  was 
preparing  to  cut  up.  Among  the  scattered  band  at  some 
distance,  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  Maxwell.  While  I  was 
looking,  a  light  wreath  of  white  smoke  curled  away  from 
his  gun,  from  which  I  was  too  far  to  hear  the  report. 
Nearer,  and  between  me  and  the  hills,  toward  which  they 
were  directing  their  course,  was  the  body  of  the  herd. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  1 17 

Giving  my  horse  the  rein,  we  dashed  after  them.  A 
thick  cloud  of  dust  hung  upon  their  rear,  which  filled 
my  mouth  and  eyes  and  nearly  smothered  me.  In  the 
midst  of  this  I  could  see  nothing,  and  the  buffaloes  were 
not  distinguishable  until  within  thirty  feet.  They  crowded 
together  more  densely  still,  as  I  came  upon  them,  and 
rushed  along  in  such  a  compact  body  that  I  could  not 
obtain  an  entrance,  the  horse  almost  leaping  upon  them. 

"  In  a  few  moments  the  mass  divided  to  the  right  and 
left,  the  horns  clattering  with  a  noise  heard  above  every- 
thing else,  and  my  horse  darted  into  the  opening.  Five 
or  six  bulls  charged  on  us  as  we  dashed  along  the  line, 
but  were  left  far  behind.  Singling  out  a  cow,  I  gave  her 
my  fire  but  struck  too  high.  She  gave  a  tremendous  leap 
and  scoured  on  swifter  than  before.  I  reined  up  my 
horse,  and  the  band  swept  on  like  a  torrent,  and  left  the 
place  quiet  and  clear.  Our  chase  had  led  us  into  dan- 
gerous ground.  A  prairie  dog  village,  so  thickly  settled 
that  there  were  three  or  four  holes  in  twenty  yards  square, 
occupied  the  whole  bottom  for  nearly  two  miles  in 
length." 

The  stirring  buffalo  hunt  ended,  the  company  advanced 
over  the  prairie  for  more  than  twenty  miles,  and  encamped 
on  the  banks  of  a  stream,  where  they  enjoyed  a  fine  feast 
on  choice  bison  steaks.  While  they  were  thus  employed, 
the  wolves  were  attracted  thither  by  the  smell  of  broiling 
meat  and  prowled  around  camp,  licking  their  chops, 


IlS  LIFE  O7?  KIT  CARSO.V. 

impatient  for  the  time  when  they  would  be  permitted  to 
gorge  themselves  upon  what  should  be  left. 

For  several  days  there  was  little  variation  in  the  expert 
ence  of  the  explorers,  and  no  special  incident  took  place. 
At  the  junction  of  the  north  and  south  fork  of  the  Platte, 
Fremont,  who  wished  to  explore  the  south  branch  and  to 
secure  some  astronomical  observations,  set  out  with  nine 
men  intending  to  advance  to  St.  Wain's  fort,  where  he 
was  hopeful  of  obtaining  some  mules.  The  rest  of  the 
party  followed  the  north  fork  to  fort  Laramie,  where  it 
was  agreed  they  would  wait  for  the  others  to  join  them. 

Fremont's  experience  in  going  up  the  south  branch  was 
in  strong  contrast  to  the  pleasant  scenes  of  the  previous. 
It  was  midsummer  and  the  weather  was  suffocatingly  hot. 
Fierce  storms  of  wind  and  gusts  of  rain  swept  the  country, 
while  the  bisons  were  everywhere.  They  literally  num- 
bered hundreds  of  thousands,  and,  look  in  whatsoever 
direction  the  men  chose,  they  were  sure  to  see  the  huge 
creatures  cropping  the  grass  or  lumbering  across  the 
prairie. 

On  the  fourth  day  a  band  of  three  hundred  mounted 
Indians  suddenly  appeared.  The  chief  proved  to  be  an 
old  acquaintance  of  Maxwell  and  showed  genuine  pleas- 
ure in  meeting  him.  They  shook  hands  and  the  sachem 
conducted  the  little  party  to  his  village,  where  they 
received  most  hospitable  treatment. 

Resuming  their  journey,  they  encamped  in  a  cotton- 
wood  grove  in  a  chilly  drizzling  rain.  The  next  morning 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARS  OX.  119 

dawned  bright  and  clear,  and  they  caught  their  first 
glimpse  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  They  gazed  long  on 
the  snowy  peaks  outlined  in  the  far  distance  like  fleecy 
clouds  against  the  blue  sky. 

St.  Vrain's  Fort  was  reached  on  the  tenth  day.  They 
were  made  welcome  by  Mr.  St.  Vrain,  who  was  much 
interested  in  the  expedition  westward  and  did  everything 
he  could  to  assist  Lieutenant  Fremont  in  the  enterprise. 
The  needed  horses  and  mules  were  secured,  and  three 
men  were  hired  to  accompany  them  across  the  country 
to  Fort  Laramie. 

This  station  was  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  dis- 
tant, and  the  new  hands  engaged,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
were  so  familiar  with  it,  that  there  was  no  possibility  of 
going  astray.  The  journey  was  resumed  on  the  second 
day  after  reaching  the  fort,  and  without  meeting  with 
any  particular  incident  they  arrived  at  their  destination, 
three  days  later. 

Fort  Laramie,  at  that  time,  was  one  of  the  most 
important  posts  of  the  far  west.  It  had  large  bastions  at 
the  corners,  and  its  high  walls  were  whitewashed  and 
picketed. 

Several  lodges  of  Sioux  Indians  were  pitched  close  by, 
and  the  division  under  charge  of  Kit  Carson  having 
arrived  several  days  before,  had  also  gone  into  camp 
\intil  the  appearance  of  the  commander  of  the  expedition. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Alarming  News — Fremont  Presses  Forward  and  is  Not  Molested 
— Arrival  at  South  Pass — Fremont's  Account  of  the  Ascent  of 
the  Highest  Peak  of  the  Rocky  Mountains— The  Return  to  Fort 
Laramie — Carson  Starts  for  New  Mexico — End  of  Fremont's 
First  Exploring  Expedition. 

ALARMING  news  awaited  Fremont  at  Fort  Laramie.  A 
number  of  trappers  informed  them  that  the  Sioux, 
through  whose  country  their  route  lay,  were  excited  to 
exasperation  by  several  recent  conflicts  with  hunters  in 
which  the  red  men  were  worsted.  The  Sioux  warriors 
were  gathered  in  large  numbers  and  would  attack  any 
white  men  who  ventured  beyond  the  fort.  They  had 
already  massacred  a  number  and  it  was  impossible  for 
Fremont  and  his  party  to  get  through  without  a  battle  in 
which  they  were  likely  to  be  overwhelmed. 

Carson  looked  upon  the  situation  as  so  serious  that  he 
made  his  will  and  left  it  at  the  fort.  When  consulted  by 
Fremont,  he  said  he  considered  the  prospect  full  of  peril, 
but  he  was  ready  to  go  the  moment  required.  The  com- 
mander was  confident  the  danger  was  greatly  exagger- 
ated, and,  without  much  misgiving,  he  resumed  his  jour, 
ney  westward,  following  up  the  north  fork  of  the  Platte. 
Game  and  water  were  found,  and,  at  the  end  of  three 
weeks,  they  arrived  at  the  South  Pass  of  the  Rocky 
120 


LIFE  OF  KIT  C ARSON.  121 

Mountains  without  having  exchanged  a  shot  with  a  red 
man  on  the  way. 

They  had  now  reached  their  destination  and  Lieuten- 
ant Fremont  at  once  began  his  observations.  When 
they  were  concluded  he  undertook  the  ascent  of  the 
highest  mountain  peak.  The  situation  was  anything  but 
encouraging  :  they  were  in  the  country  of  the  hostile 
Blackfeet,  some  of  whom  were  observed  hovering  in  the 
vicinity;  men  and  animals  were  worn  out  and  it  was  hard 
to  procure  game.  But  the  ascent  was  begun,  Fremont 
taking  fourteen  men  with  him.  Those  who  were  left  in 
camp  erected  a  rude  but  strong  fort,  behind  which  they 
were  confident  they  could  sustain  themselves  against  any 
force  the  Indians  were  likely  to  muster. 

The  ascent  of  the  mountain  was  laborious  in  the 
extreme.  Kit  Carson  climbed  to  one  of  the  loftiest  peaks 
from  which  he  gained  a  full  view  of  the  very  highest  ele- 
vation. The  next  day  Fremont  sent  Carson  and  several 
of  the  men  back.  He  unquestionably  intended  that  no 
one  should  share  with  him  the  honor  of  climbing  the 
most  elevated  point.  This  exploit  is  worthy  of  descrip- 
tion at  the  hands  of  the  Pathfinder  himself. 

"At  intervals  we  reached  places  where  a  number  of 
springs  gushed  from  the  rocks,  and  about  1,800  feet 
above  the  lakes  came  to  the  snow  line.  From  this  point 
our  progress  was  uninterrupted  climbing.  Hitherto,  I 
had  worn  a  pair  of  thick  moccasins,  with  soles  of  par- 
fieche\  but  here  I  put  on  a  light  thin  pair,  which  I  had 


122  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

brought  for  the  purpose,  as  now  the  use  of  our  toes 
became  necessary  to  a  further  advance.  I  availed  myself 
of  a  sort  of  comb  of  the  mountain,  which  stood  against 
the  wall  like  a  buttress,  and  which  the  wind  and  solar 
radiation,  joined  to  the  steepness  of  the  smooth  rock, 
had  kept  almost  entirely  free  from  snow.  Up  this  I 
made  my  way  rapidly.  Our  cautious  method  of  advanc- 
ing in  the  outset  had  spared  my  strength ;  and,  with  the 
exception  of  a  slight  disposition  to  headache,  I  felt  no 
remains  of  yesterday's  illness.  In  a  few  minutes  we 
reached  a  point  where  the  buttress  was  overhanging,  and 
there  was  no  other  way  of  surmounting  the  difficulty 
than  by  passing  around  one  side  of  it,  which  was  the 
face  of  a  vertical  precipice  of  several  hundred  feet." 

Parfleche  is  the  name  given  to  buffalo  hide.  The 
Indian  women  prepare  it  by  scraping  and  drying.  It  is 
exceedingly  tough  and  hard,  and  receives  its  name  from 
the  circumstance  that  it  cannot  be  pierced  by  arrows  or 
spears.  The  entire  dress  of  Fremont  and  his  party,  on 
their  ascent  to  the  "top  of  America,"  consisted  of  a  blue 
flannel  shirt,  free  and  open  at  the  neck,  the  collar  turning 
down  over  a  black  silk  handkerchief  tied  loosely,  blue 
cloth  pantaloons,  a  slouched  broad-brimmed  hat,  and 
moccasins  as  above  described.  It  was  well  adapted  to 
climbing,  quite  light,  and  at  the  same  time  warm,  and 
every  way  comfortable. 

"  Putting  hands  and  feet  in  the  crevices  between  the 
Blocks,  I  succeeded  in  getting  over  it,  and  when  I  reached 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  123 

the  top,  found  my  companions  in  a  small  valley  below. 
Descending  to  them,  we  continued  climbing,  and  in  a 
short  time  reached  the  crest.  I  sprang  upon  the  summit 
and  another  step  would  have  precipitated  me  into  an 
immense  snow-field  five  hundred  feet  below.  To  the 
edge  of  this  field  was  a  sheer  icy  precipice ;  and  then, 
with  a  gradual  fall,  the  field  sloped  off  for  about  a  mile, 
until  it  struck  the  foot  of  another  lower  ridge.  I  stood 
on  a  narrow  crest  about  three  feet  in  width,  with  an 
inclination  of  about  2O°N.  5i°E.  As  soon  as  I  had 
gratified  the  first  feelings  of  curiosity  I  descended,  and 
each  man  ascended  in  turn,  for  I  would  only  allow  one  at 
a  time  to  mount  the  unstable  and  precarious  slab,  which 
it  seemed  a  breath  would  hurl  into  the  abyss  below.  We 
mounted  the  barometer  in  the  snow  of  the  summit,  and, 
fixing  a  ramrod  in  a  crevice,  unfurled  the  national  flag,  to 
wave  in  the  breeze,  where  never  flag  waved  before.  Dur- 
ing our  morning's  ascent,  we  met  no  sign  of  animal  life, 
except  a  small  bird  having  the  appearance  of  a  sparrow. 
A  stillness  the  most  profound,  and  a  terrible  solitude 
forced  themselves  constantly  on  the  mind  as  the  great 
features  of  the  place.  Here,  on  the  summit,  where  the 
stillness  was  absolute,  unbroken  by  any  sound,  and  the 
solitude  complete,  we  thought  ourselves  beyond  the 
region  of  animated  life ;  but  while  we  were  sitting  on  the 
rock,  a  solitary  bee  (bombus  terrestrts,  the  humble  bee) 
came  winging  his  flight  from  the  eastern  valley,  and  lit 
on  the  knee  of  one  of  the  men. 


124  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

"Around  us  the  whole  scene  had  one  main  striking 
feature,  which  was  that  of  terrible  convulsion.  Parallel 
to  its  length,  the  ridge  was  split  into  chasms  and  fissures, 
between  which  rose  the  thin,  lofty  walls,  terminated  with 
slender  minarets  and  columns,  which  are  correctly  repre- 
sented in  the  view  from  the  camp  on  Island  Lake. 
According  to  the  barometer,  the  little  crest  of  the  wall 
on  which  we  stood  was  three  thousand  five  hundred  and 
seventy  feet  above  that  place,  and  two  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty  feet  above  the  little  lakes  at  the 
bottom,  immediately  at  our  feet. 

"  Our  camp  at  the  Two  Hills  (an  astronomical  station) 
bore  south  3°  east,  which,  with  a  bearing  afterward 
obtained  from  a  fixed  position,  enabled  us  to  locate  the 
peak.  The  bearing  of  the  Trois  Tetons  was  north  50° 
west,  and  the  direction  of  the  central  ridge  of  the  Wind 
River  Mountains  south  39°  east.  The  summit  rock  was 
gneiss.  Sienite  and  feldspar  succeeded  in  our  descent  to 
the  snow  line,  where  we  found  a  felspathic  granite.  I 
had  remarked  that  the  noise  produced  by  the  explosion 
of  our  pistols  had  the  usual  degree  of  loudness,  but  was 
not  in  the  least  prolonged,  expiring  almost  instanta- 
neously. Having  now  made  what  observations  our  means 
afforded,  we  proceeded  to  descend.  We  had  acconv 
plished  an  object  of  laudable  ambition,  and  beyond  the 
strict  order  of  our  instructions.  We  had  climbed  the 
loftiest  peak  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  looked  down 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  125 

Upon  the  snow  a  thousand  feet  below,  and,  standing 
where  human  foot  had  never  stood  before,  felt  the  exulta- 
tion of  first  explorers.  It  was  about  two  o'clock  when 
we  left  the  summit;  and  when  we  reached  the  bottom 
the  sun  had  already  sunk  behind  the  wall,  and  the  day 
was  drawing  to  a  close.  It  would  have  been  pleasant  to 
linger  here  and  on  the  summit  longer ;  but  we  hurried 
away  as  rapidly  as  the  ground  would  permit,  for  it  was 
an  object  to  regain  our  party  as  soon  as  possible,  not 
knowing  what  accident  the  next  hour  might  bring 
forth." 

This  mountain  which  bears  the  name  of  Fremont's 
Peak,  in  honor  of  the  great  Pathfinder,  was  found  to  be 
13,570  feet  above  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

The  object  of  the  expedition  was  accomplished  and 
preparations  were  made  for  the  return  to  the  states.  No 
accident  worth  the  mention  had  befallen  the  explorers, 
and  the  Blackfeet,  from  whom  so  much  was  feared,  did 
not  molest  them.  It  may  have  been  that  when  their 
scouts  reconnoitred  the  camp,  they  found  the  barricades 
so  strong  and  the  garrison  so  watchful  that  they  decided 
it  would  be  too  costly  to  make  an  attack  upon  them.  It 
is  not  impossible  that  some  one  or  more  of  them  recog- 
nized the  daring  mountaineer  who  more  than  once  years 
before  had  given  their  warriors  such  severe  defeat  and 
punishment.  If  such  was  the  truth,  we  cannot  but 
respect  the  discretion  they  showed. 


126  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON, 

Fort  Laramie  was  reached  in  the  month  of  September, 
1842.  There  as  Kit  Carson's  labors  were  ended,  he  bade 
his  commander  and  friends  good-bye  and  started  for 
New  Mexico.  Fremont  and  his  men  reached  the  states 
in  safety  and  thus  ended  his  first  exploring  expedition. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Carson  Starts  for  the  States— The  Encampment  of  Captain  Cook 
and  his  Dragoons — Carson  Undertakes  a  Delicate  and  Danger- 
ous Mission — The  Perilous  Journey — Return  of  Carson  and  the 
Mexican  Boy— Encounter  with  Four  Utah  Indians— Arrival  at 
Bent's  Fort. 

EARLY  in  the  year  1843,  Kit  Carson  married  his  sec- 
ond wife  and  shortly  after  agreed  to  accompany  an  expe, 
dition  of  Bent  &  St.  Vrain's  wagons  to  the  States. 
When  part  way  across  the  plains,  they  struck  the  old 
Santa  F£  trail  and  came  upon  an  encampment  of  Captain 
Cook  with  four  companies  of  United  States  Dragoons. 

They  were  engaged  in  escorting  a  train  of  Mexican 
wagons  to  the  boundary  line  between  New  Mexico  and 
the  United  States.  The  train  was  a  very  valuable  one 
and  an  escort  of  a  hundred  men  were  hired  to  accompany 
it  through  the  Indian  country. 

The  situation  of  this  train  was  an  alarming  one.  It 
was  the  duty  of  Captain  Cook  and  his  soldiers  to  guard 
it  as  far  as  the  fording  of  the  Arkansas,  at  that  time  the 
boundary  line  between  the  two  countries.  There  was 
good  reason  for  believing  that  a  strong  band  of  Texan 
rangers  were  waiting  beyond,  with  the  intention  of 
attacking  and  plundering  the  train.  Indeed  the  Mexican 

127 


128  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

who  had  it  in  charge  had  received  information  that  left 
no  possible  doubt  of  the  fact. 

His  face  lighted  up  when  he  recognized  Kit  Carson. 
Hardly  waiting  until  they  had  greeted  each  other,  he 
offered  him  a  liberal  reward  if  he  would  ride  post  haste 
to  Santa  F£  and  deliver  a  letter  to  the  Governor,  contain- 
ing an  urgent  request  to  send  a  strong  force  to  escort  the 
train  thither. 

Carson  unhesitatingly  accepted  the  offer  and  with  his 
usual  promptness  started  almost  immediately  on  his  deli- 
cate and  dangerous  business.  The  journey  was  one  of 
several  hundred  miles  through  a  country  swarming  with 
Indians,  and  all  the  skill,  cunning  and  vigilance  of  the 
great  scout  would  be  required  to  succeed.  But  he  never 
faltered  in  the  face  of  peril. 

A  veteran  mountaineer  agreed  to  keep  him  company, 
but,  when  Bent's  Fort  was  reached  he  refused  to  go  fur- 
ther, and  Carson,  as  he  had  often  done  before  in  critical 
situations,  went  on  alone. 

The  news  which  he  heard  at  the  fort  was  of  a  startling 
nature.  The  Utah  Indians  were  hostile  and  his  long 
journey  led  him  directly  through  their  country.  He 
could  not  censure  his  friend  for  declining  to  go  further, 
nor  could  he  blame  others  whom  he  asked  to  accompany 
him,  when  they  shook  their  heads.  Mr.  Bent  understood 
the  peculiar  danger  in  which  Kit  would  be  placed,  and 
though  he  was  splendidly  mounted,  he  loaned  him  a  mag- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

nificent  steed  which  he  led,  ready  to  mount  whenever  the 
necessity  should  arise  for  doing  so. 

That  journey  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  the 
many  made  by  Kit  Carson.  It  would  have  been  less  so, 
had  he  possessed  a  companion  of  experience,  for  they  could 
have  counselled  together,  and  one  would  have  kept  watch 
while  the  other  slept.  As  it  was,  Carson  was  compelled 
to  scan  every  portion  of  the  plain  before  him,  on  the  con- 
stant lookout  for  Indians,  who  would  have  spared  no 
effort  to  circumvent  and  slay  him,  had  they  known  of  his 
presence  in  their  country.  He  was  so  placed,  indeed, 
that  only  by  the  most  consummate  skill  could  he  hope  to 
run  the  continuous  gauntlet,  hundreds  of  miles  in  length. 

He  had  gone  but  a  short  distance  when  he  detected 
the  trails  of  his  enemies,  showing  they  were  numerous 
and  liable  to  be  encountered  at  any  moment.  When 
night  came,  he  picketed  his  horses  and  lay  down  on  the 
prairie  or  in  some  grove,  ready  to  leap  to  his  feet,  bound 
upon  one  of  his  steeds  and  gallop  away  on  a  dead  run. 
Where  the  hunter  has  no  friend  to  mount  guard,  he  is 
often  compelled  to  depend  upon  his  horses,  who  frequently 
prove  the  best  kind  of  sentinels.  They  are  quick  to 
detect  the  approach  of  strangers,  and  a  slight  neigh  or 
stamp  of  the  foot  is  enough  to  give  the  saving  warning. 

A  large  portion  of  the  country  over  which  he  rode, 
was  a  treeless  plain  and  the  keen  blue  eyes  of  the  match- 
less mountaineer  were  kept  on  a  continual  strain.  A 
moving  speck  in  the  distant  horizon,  the  faint  column  of 
Q 


130  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

thin  smoke  rising  from  the  far  off  grove,  or  a  faint  yellow 
dust  against  the  blue  sky,  could  only  mean  one  thing — 
the  presence  of  enemies,  for  he  was  in  a  region  which 
contained  not  a  single  friend. 

One  afternoon  Carson  discovered  an  Indian  village 
directly  ahead  of  him  and  on  the  trail  which  he  was  fol- 
lowing. He  instantly  withdrew  beyond  sight  of  any  who 
might  be  on  guard,  and,  hunting  a  sparse  grove  of  tim- 
ber, kept  within  it  until  dark;  then  he  made  a  long  cir- 
cuit, and  came  back  to  the  trail  far  beyond  it.  He 
travelled  a  long  distance  that  night  and  by  daylight  was 
in  no  danger  of  detection. 

By  using  such  extreme  caution  and  watchfulness,  he 
succeeded  in  passing  the  entire  distance  without  exchang- 
ing a  hostile  shot  with  anyone.  He  reached  Taos,  where 
he  waited  as  agreed  upon,  until  his  message  could  be  sent 
to  the  Governor  at  Santa  Fe.  While  in  Taos  he  learned 
that  one  hundred  men  had  been  sent  out  to  meet  the  car- 
avan and  the  Governor  himself  was  about  ready  to  follow 
with  six  hundred  more.  It  may  be  stated  in  this  place 
that  the  smaller  company,  while  looking  for  the  train 
was  attacked  by  the  Texan  rangers  and  with  a  single 
exception  every  man  was  killed ;  but  venturing  into 
American  territory,  the  rangers  were  disarmed  by  Captain 
Cook  and  his  dragoons,  and  the  wealthy  wagon  train, 
with  its  valuable  cargo  reached  its  destination  in  safety. 

Having  accomplished  his  mission,  Carson  set  out  on 
his  return  to  Bent's  Fort.  This  time  he  took  a  Mexican 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  131 

boy  with  him.  The  mountaineer  had  become  strongly 
attached  to  the  youth,  who  was  a  noble,  high-minded 
lad,  the  fit  companion  of  the  prince  among  plainsmen. 

Two  days  out  from  Taos,  both  were  surprised  to  find 
themselves  confronted  by  four  Utah  Indians  on  the  war 
path.  They  appeared  so  suddenly,  that  the  two  friends 
were  given  little  time  to  make  preparation ;  but,  as  some 
distance  separated  the  parties,  Kit  and  the  lad  hastily  con- 
sulted over  what  was  best  to  do. 

"  It  is  you  whom  they  are  seeking,"  said  the  youth, 
"and  your  life  is  worth  a  great  deal  more  than  mine;  you 
have  a  swift  horse;  mount  him  and  dash  off;  perhaps 
they  will  spare  me,  but  you  cannot  help  me  by  staying." 

"  Your  offer  is  a  kind  one,"  said  Carson  much  touched 
by  the  words  of  his  young  friend;  "but  nothing  in  the 
world  would  induce  me  to  leave  you.  We  will  stick 
together  and  if  we  must  die,  why  let's  each  take  a  war- 
rior with  us." 

The  leading  warrior  sauntered  toward  the  couple, 
while  they  were  hastily  consulting  together,  after  the 
manner  of  one  who  felt  he  was  master  of  the  situation. 
A  broad  grin  stretched  across  his  painted  face,  as  he 
extended  one  hand  to  salute  Carson,  while  he  reached 
for  his  rifle  with  the  other.  Just  as  his  fingers  were 
closing  around  the  weapon  of  the  mountaineer,  the  latter 
struck  him  a  violent  blow  in  the  face,  which  sent  him 
staggering  several  paces  backward.  The  other  Utahs 
instantly  ran  forward  to  the  help  of  their  comrade. 


132  LIFE  OP  KIT 

When  they  were  within  a  few  rods,  Carson  brought  his 
gun  to  his  shoulder  and  peremptorily  ordered  them  to 
halt.  They  hesitated,  as  if  uncertain  what  to  do,  when 
he  told  them  that  if  they  advanced  another  step  or  made 
any  hostile  demonstration,  both  he  and  his  companion 
would  fire.  They  would  be  sure  of  hitting  two  of  the 
warriors,  when  it  would  become  something  like  an  even 
fight,  with  two  on  each  side,  and  with  the  prospect  that 
the  red  men  might  suffer  still  further. 

But  the  Indians  were  not  to  be  bluffed  in  such  an  easy 
fashion.  They  brandished  their  guns,  shook  powder  in 
the  pans  and  talked  boastingly  of  what  they  meant  to  do. 
They  were  double  the  number  of  their  enemies  and  they 
would  teach  them  how  brave  Utah  warriors  were. 

Neither  Carson  nor  the  lad  was  disturbed  by  these 
demonstrations,  which  meant  to  intimidate  them.  The 
mountaineer  whispered  to  his  brave  young  companion  to 
keep  on  his  guard  against  any  sudden  rush  or  demonstra- 
tion. But  the  lad  scarcely  needed  the  warning.  He  was 
as  alert  and  vigilant  as  his  friend.  Had  the  red  men 
attempted  anything  hostile,  the  two  would  have  fired 
instantly  and  then  drawn  their  pistols  and  been  ready  for 
the  others. 

The  Utahs  finally  saw  it  was  useless  to  attempt  to 
bluff  the  man  and  boy,  and  they  rode  away  without  offer- 
ing  them  the  least  harm.  Carson  and  his  young  com- 
panion instantly  resumed  their  journey,  still  watchful  and 
alert ;  but  they  reached  Bent's  Fort  without  molestation, 
and  the  dangerous  venture  was  over. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Kit  Carson  Hears  Surprising  News — He  Visits  Fremont — Is  Re- 
engaged as  Guide— Fremont's  Account  of  his  Visit  to  Salt  Lake. 

KIT  CARSON  was  astonished  on  reaching  Bent's  Fort  to 
learn  that  Lieutenant  Fremont  had  gone  by  on  his  second 
exploring  expedition  but  a  few  days  before.  Carson  felt 
a  strong  attachment  for  his  old  leader  and  galloped  nearly 
a  hundred  miles  to  overtake  him.  Fremont  gave  the 
mountaineer  most  cordial  greeting  and  insisted  so 
strongly  on  his  accompanying  him  that  Carson  could  not 
refuse. 

The  object  of  Fremont's  second  exploration  was  to 
connect  the  survey  of  the  previous  year  with  those  of 
Commander  Wilkes  on  the  Pacific  coast.  The  first 
objective  point  was  the  Great  Salt  Lake  of  Utah,  of 
which  very  little  was  known  at  that  time. 

Carson  was  sent  back  to  the  fort  to  procure  a  number 
of  mules.  He  did  as  directed  and  rejoined  Fremont  at 
St.  Vrain's  Fort.  The  region  traversed  by  these  explorers 
is  so  well  known  to-day  that  it  is  hard  to  realize  what  a 
terra  incognita  it  was  but  a  short  time  since.  Perhaps  it 
will  be  most  instructive  at  this  point  to  quote  the  words 
of  the  great  Pathfinder  himself.  The  party  arrived  on 
the  2ist  of  August  on  the  Bear  River,  one  of  theprinci- 

133 


134  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

pal   tributaries   of  Great   Salt   Lake.     The    narrative  of 
Fremont  proceeds : 

"We  were  now  entering  a  region,  which  for  us,  pos- 
sessed a  strange  and  extraordinary  interest.  We  were 
upon  the  waters  of  the  famous  lake  which  forms  a  salient 
point  among  the  remarkable  geographical  features  of  the 
country,  and  around  which  the  vague  and  superstitious 
accounts  of  the  trappers  had  thrown  a  delightful  obscurity, 
which  we  anticipated  pleasure  in  dispelling,  but  which,  in 
the  meantime,  left  a  crowded  field  for  the  exercise  of  our 
imagination. 

"In  our  occasional  conversations  with  the  few  old 
hunters  who  had  visited  the  region,  it  had  been  a  subject 
of  frequent  speculation;  and  the  wonders  which  they 
related  were  not  the  less  agreeable  because  they  were 
highly  exaggerated  and  impossible. 

"  Hitherto  this  lake  had  been  seen  only  by  trappers, 
who  were  wandering  through  the  country  in  search  of 
new  beaver  streams,  caring  very  little  for  geography;  its 
islands  had  never  been  visited ;  and  none  were  to  be  found 
who  had  entirely  made  the  circuit  of  its  shores,  and  no 
instrumental  observations,  or  geographical  survey  of  any 
description,  had  ever  been  made  anywhere  in  the  neigh- 
boring region.  It  was  generally  supposed  that  it  had  no 
visible  outlet;  but,  among  the  trappers,  including  those  in 
my  own  camp,  were  many  who  believed  that  somewhere 
on  its  surface  was  a  terrible  whirlpool,  through  which  its 
waters  found  their  way  to  the  ocean  by  some  subterranean 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  135 

communication.  All  these  things  had  been  made  a  fre- 
quent subject  of  discussion  in  our  desultory  conversations 
around  the  fires  at  night ;  and  my  own  mind  had  become 
tolerably  well  filled  with  their  indefinite  pictures,  and 
insensibly  colored  with  their  romantic  descriptions,  which, 
in  the  pleasure  of  excitement,  I  was  well  disposed  to 
believe,  and  half  expected  to  realize. 

"  In  about  six  miles'  travel  from  our  encampment  we 
reached  one  of  the  points  in  our  journey  to  which  we  had 
always  looked  forward  with  great  interest — the  famous 
Beer  Springs,  which,  on  account  of  the  effervescing  gas 
and  acid  taste,  had  received  their  name  from  the  voy- 
ageurs  and  trappers  of  the  country,  who,  in  the  midst  of 
their  rude  and  hard  lives,  are  fond  of  finding  some  fancied 
resemblance  to  the  luxuries  they  rarely  have  the  good 
fortune  to  enjoy. 

"Although  somewhat  disappointed  in  the  expectations 
which  various  descriptions  had  led  me  to  form  of  unusual 
beauty  of  situation  and  scenery,  I  found  it  altogether  a 
place  of  very  great  interest;  and  a  traveller  for  the  first 
time  in  a  volcanic  region  remains  in  a  constant  excite- 
ment, and  at  every  step  is  arrested  by  something  remark- 
able and  new.  There  is  a  confusion  of  interesting 
objects  gathered  together  in  a  small  space.  Around  the 
place  of  encampment  the  Beer  Springs  were  numerous  , 
but,  as  far  as  we  could  ascertain,  were  entirely  confined 
to  that  locality  in  the  bottom.  In  the  bed  of  the  river 
in  front,  for  a  space  of  several  hundred  yards,  they  were 


136  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

very  abundant;  the  effervescing  gas  rising  up  and  agi- 
tating the  water  in  countless  bubbling  columns.  In 
the  vicinity  round  about  were  numerous  springs  of  an 
entirely  different  and  equally  marked  mineral  char- 
acter. In  a  rather  picturesque  spot,  about  1,300  yards 
below  our  encampment  and  immediately  on  the  river 
bank,  is  the  most  remarkable  spring  of  the  place.  In 
an  opening  on  the  rock,  a  white  column  of  scattered 
water  is  thrown  up,  in  form,  like  ajet-d'eau,  to  a  variable 
height  of  about  three  feet,  and,  though  it  is  maintained 
in  a  constant  supply,  its  greatest  height  is  attained  only 
at  regular  intervals,  according  to  the  action  of  the  force 
below.  It  is  accompanied  by  a  subterranean  noise,  which, 
together  with  the  motion  of  the  water,  makes  very  much 
the  impression  of  a  steamboat  in  motion;  and,  without 
knowing  that  it  had  been  already  previous/y  so  called,  we 
gave  to  it  the  name  of  the  Steamboat  Spring.  The  rock 
through  which  it  is  forced  is  slightly  raised  in  a  convex 
manner,  and  gathered  at  the  opening  into  an  urn-mouthed 
form,  and  is  evidently  formed  by  continued  deposition 
from  the  water,  and  colored  bright  red  by  oxide  of  iron. 

"  It  is  a  hot  spring,  and  the  water  has  a  pungent,  disa- 
greeable metallic  taste,  leaving  a  burning  effect  on  the 
tongue.  Within  perhaps  two  yards  of  \hejet-d*eau,  is  a 
small  hole  of  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  through  which,  at 
regular  intervals,  escapes  a  blast  of  hot  air  with  a  light 
wreath  of  smoke,  accompanied  by  a  regular  noise. 

"As  they  approached  the  lake,  they  passed  over  a 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  137 

country  of  bold  and  striking  scenery,  and  through  several 
'  gates,'  as  they  called  certain  narrow  valleys.  The 
'standing  rock'  is  a  huge  column,  occupying  the  centre 
of  one  of  these  passes.  It  fell  from  a  height  of  perhaps 
3,000  feet,  and  happened  to  remain  in  its  present  upright 
position. 

"  At  last,  on  the  6th  of  September,  the  object  for  which 
their  eyes  had  long  been  straining  was  brought  to  view. 

"  September  6. — This  time  we  reached  the  butte  without 
any  difficulty;  and  ascending  to  the  summit,  immediately 
at  our  feet  beheld  the  object  of  our  anxious  search,  the 
waters  of  the  Inland  Sea,  stretching  in  still  and  solitary 
grandeur,  far  beyond  the  limit  of  our  vision.  It  was  one 
of  the  great  points  of  the  exploration ;  and  as  we  looked 
eagerly  over  the  lake  in  the  first  emotions  of  excited 
pleasure,  I  am  doubtful  if  the  followers  of  Balboa  felt 
more  enthusiasm  when,  from  the  heights  of  the  Andes, 
they  saw  for  the  first  time  the  great  Western  Ocean.  It 
was  certainly  a  magnificent  object,  and  a  noble  termimis 
to  this  part  of  our  expedition ;  and  to  travellers  so  long 
shut  up  among  mountain  ranges,  a  sudden  view  over  the 
expanse  of  silent  waters  had  in  it  something  sublime. 
Several  large  islands  raised  their  high  rocky  heads  out  of 
the  waves  ;  but  whether  or  not  they  were  timbered  was 
still  left  to  our  imagination,  as  the  distance  was  too  great 
to  determine  if  the  dark  hues  upon  them  were  woodland 
or  naked  rock.  During  the  day  the  clouds  had  been 
gathering  black  over  the  mountains  to  the  westward,  and 


138  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

while  we  were  looking,  a  storm  burst  down  with  sudden 
fury  upon  the  lake,  and  entirely  hid  the  islands  from  our 
view. 

"On  the  edge  of  the  stream  a  favorable  spot  was 
selected  in  a  grove,  and  felling  the  timber,  we  made  a 
strong  corral,  or  horse -pen,  for  the  animals,  and  a  little 
fort  for  the  people  who  were  to  remain.  We  were  now 
probably  in  the  country  of  the  Utah  Indians,  though  none 
reside  upon  the  lake.  The  India-rubber  boat  was  repaired 
with  prepared  cloth  and  gum,  and  filled  with  air,  in  read- 
iness for  the  next  day. 

"  The  provisions  which  Carson  had  brought  with  him 
being  now  exhausted,  and  our  stock  reduced  to  a  small 
quantity  of  roots,  I  determined  to  retain  with  me  only  a 
sufficient  number  of  men  for  the  execution  of  our  design ; 
and  accordingly  seven  were  sent  back  to  Fort  Hall,  under 
the  guidance  of  Francois  Lajeunesse,  who,  having  been 
for  many  years  a  trapper  in  the  country,  was  an  experi- 
enced mountaineer. 

"  We  formed  now  but  a  small  family.  With  Mr.  Preuss 
and  myself,  Carson,  Bernier,  and  Basil  Lajeunesse  had 
been  selected  for  the  boat  expedition — the  first  ever 
attempted  on  this  interior  sea;  and  Badau,  with  Derosier, 
and  Jacob  (the  colored  man),  were  to  be  left  in  charge  of 
the  camp.  We  were  favored  with  most  delightful 
weather.  To-night  there  was  a  brilliant  sunset  of  golden 
orange  and  green,  which  left  the  westen  sky  clear  and 
beautifully  pure ;  but  clouds  in  the  east  made  me  lose,  an 


LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON.  139 

occulation.  The  summer  frogs  were  singing  around  us, 
and  the  evening  was  very  pleasant,  with  a  temperature  of 
OcP — a  night  of  a  more  southern  autumn.  For  our  sup- 
per, we  had  yampah,  the  most  agreeably  flavored  of  the 
roots,  seasoned  by  a  small  fat  duck,  which  had  come  in 
the  way  of  Jacob's  rifle.  Around  our  fire  to-night  were 
many  speculations  on  what  to-morrow  would  bring  forth ; 
and  in  our  busy  conjectures  we  fancied  that  we  should 
find  every  one  of  the  large  islands  a  tangled  wilderness  of 
trees  and  shrubbery,  teeming  with  game  of  every  descrip- 
tion that  the  neighboring  region  afforded,  and  which  the 
foot  of  a  white  man  or  Indian  had  never  violated.  Fre- 
quently, during  the  day,  clouds  had  rested  on  the  sum- 
mits of  their  lofty  mountains,  and  we  believed  that  we 
should  find  clear  streams  and  springs  of  fresh  water  ;  and 
we  indulged  in  anticipations  of  the  luxurious  repasts 
with  which  we  were  to  indemnify  ourselves  for  past  priva- 
tions. Neither,  in  our  discussions,  were  the  whirlpool 
and  other  mysterious  dangers  forgotten,  which  Indian  and 
hunter's  stories  attributed  to  this  unexplored  lake.  The 
men  had  discovered  that,  instead  of  being  strongly  sewed, 
(like  that  of  the  preceding  year,  which  had  so  triump- 
hantly rode  the  canons  of  the  Upper  Great  Platte),  our 
present  boat  was  only  pasted  together  in  a  very  insecure 
manner,  the  maker  having  been  allowed  so  little  time  in 
the  construction  that  he  was  obliged  to  crowd  the  labor 
of  two  months  into  several  days.  The  insecurity  of  the 
boat  was  sensibly  felt  by  us ;  and  mingled  with  the 


140  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

enthusiasm  and  excitement  that  we  all  felt  at  the  pros- 
pect of  an  undertaking  which  had  never  before  been 
accomplished  was  a  certain  impression  of  danger,  suffi- 
cient to  give  a  serious  character  to  our  conversation. 
The  momentary  view  which  had  been  had  of  the  lake  the 
day  before,  its  great  extent  and  rugged  islands,  dimly 
seen  amidst  the  dark  waters  in  the  obscurity  of  the  sud- 
den storm,  were  well  calculated  to  heighten  the  idea  of 
undefined  danger  with  which  the  lake  was  generally  asso- 
ciated." 

"  September  8. — A  calm,  clear  day,  with  a  sunrise  tem- 
perature of  41°.  In  view  of  our  present  enterprise,  a 
part  of  the  equipment  of  the  boat  had  been  made  to  consist 
of  three  air-tight  bags,  about  three  feet  long,  and  capable 
each  of  containing  five  gallons.  These  had  been  filled 
with  water  the  night  before,  and  were  now  placed  in  the 
boat,  with  our  blankets  and  instruments,  consisting  of  a 
sextant,  telescope,  spy-glass,  thermometer,  and  barom- 
eter. 

"  In  the  course  of  the  morning  we  discovered  that  two 
of  the  cylinders  leaked  so  much  as  to  require  one  man 
constantly  at  the  bellows,  to  keep  them  sufficiently  full 
of  air  to  support  the  boat.  Although  we  had  made  a 
very  early  start,  we  loitered  so  much  on  the  way — stop- 
ping every  now  and  then,  and  floating  silently  along,  to 
get  a  shot  at  a  goose  or  a  duck — that  it  was  late  in  the 
day  when  he  reached  the  outlet.  The  river  here  divided 
into  several  branches,  filled  with  fluvials,  and  so  very 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  141 

shallow  that  it  was  with  difficulty  we  could  get  the  boat 
along,  being  obliged  to  get  out  and  wade.  We  encamped 
on  a  low  point  among  rushes  and  young  willows,  where 
there  was  a  quantity  of  driftwood,  which  served  for  our 
fires.  The  evening  was  mild  and  clear;  we  made  a 
pleasant  bed  of  the  young  willows ;  and  geese  and  ducks 
enough  had  been  killed  for  an  abundant  supper  at  night, 
and  for  breakfast  next  morning.  The  stillness  of  the 
night  was  enlivened  by  millions  of  water-fowl. 

"  September.  9. — The  day  was  clear  and  calm ;  the  ther- 
mometer at  sunrise  at  49°.  As  is  usual  with  the  trap- 
pers on  the  eve  of  any  enterprise,  our  people  had  made 
dreams,  and  their's  happened  to  be  a  bad  one — one  which 
always  preceded  evil — and  consequently  they  looked  very 
gloomy  this  morning ;  but  we  hurried  through  our  break- 
fast, in  order  to  make  an  early  start,  and  have  all  the  day 
before  us  for  our  adventure.  The  channel  in  a  short 
distance  became  so  shallow  that  our  navigation  was  at  an 
end,  being  merely  a  sheet  of  soft  mud,  with  a  few  inches 
of  water,  and  sometimes  none  at  all,  forming  the  low- 
water  shore  of  the  lake.  All  this  place  was  absolutely 
covered  with  flocks  of  screaming  plover.  We  took  off 
our  clothes,  and,  getting  overboard,  commenced  drag- 
ging the  boat — making,  by  this  operation,  a  very  curious 
trail,  and  a  very  disagreeable  smell  in  stirring  up  the  mud, 
as  we  sank  above  the  knee  at  every  step.  The  water 
here  was  still  fresh,  with  only  an  insipid  and  disagreeable 
taste,  probably  derived  from  the  bed  of  fetid  mud.  Afte*- 


142  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

proceeding  in  this  way  about  a  mile,  we  came  to  a  small 
black  ridge  on  the  bottom,  beyond  which  the  water 
became  suddenly  salt,  beginning  gradually  to  deepen,  and 
the  bottom  was  sandy  and  firm.  It  was  a  remarkable 
division,  separating  the  fresh  water  of  the  rivers  from  the 
briny  water  of  the  lake,  which  was  entirely  saturated 
with  common  salt.  Pushing  our  little  vessel  across  the 
narrow  boundary,  we  sprang  on  board,  and  at  length 
were  afloat  on  the  waters  of  the  unknown  sea. 

"We  did  not  steer  for  the  mountainous  islands,  but 
directed  our  course  towards  a  lower  one,  which  it  had 
been  decided  we  should  first  visit,  the  summit  of  which 
was  formed  like  the  crater  at  the  upper  end  of  Bear 
River  Valley.  So  long  as  we  could  touch  the  bottom 
with  our  paddles,  we  were  very  gay ;  but  gradually,  as 
the  water  deepened,  we  became  more  still  in  our  frail  bat- 
teau  of  gum  cloth  distended  with  air,  and  with  pasted 
seams.  Although  the  day  was  very  calm,  there  was  a 
considerable  swell  on  the  lake ;  and  there  were  white 
patches  of  foam  on  the  surface,  which  were  slowly  mov- 
ing to  the  southward,  indicating  the  set  of  a  current  in 
that  direction,  and  recalling  the  recollection  of  the  whirl- 
pool stories.  The  water  continued  to  deepen  as  we 
advanced  ;  the  lake  becoming  almost  transparently  clear, 
of  an  extremely  beautiful  bright  green  color ;  and  the 
spray,  which  was  thrown  into  the  boat  and  over  our 
clothes,  was  directly  converted  into  a  crust  of  common 
salt,  which  covered  also  our  hands  and  arms.  <  Captain,' 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  143 

5<ud  Carson,  who  for  sometime  had  been  looking  suspi- 
ciously at  some  whitening  appearances  outside  the  near- 
est islands,  «  what  are  those  yonder  ? — won't  you  just 
take  a  look  with  the  glass  ?  '  We  ceased  paddling  for  a 
moment,  and  found  them  to  be  the  caps  of  the  waves 
that  were  beginning  to  break  under  the  force  of  a  strong 
breeze  that  was  coming  up  the  lake.  The  form  of  the 
boat  seemed  to  be  an  admirable  one,  and  it  rode  on  the 
waves  like  a  water  bird ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  it  was 
extremely  slow  in  its  progress.  When  we  were  a  little 
more  than  halfway  across  the  reach,  two  of  the  divisions 
between  the  cylinders  gave  way,  and  it  required  the  con- 
stant use  of  the  bellows  to  keep  in  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
air.  For  a  long  time  we  scarcely  seemed  to  approach 
our  island,  but  gradually  we  worked  across  the  rougher 
sea  of  the  open  channel,  into  the  smoother  water  under 
the  lee  of  the  island,  and  began  to  discover  that  what  we 
took  for  a  long  row  of  pelicans,  ranged  on  the  beach, 
were  only  low  cliffs  whitened  with  salt  by  the  spray  of 
the  waves ;  and  about  noon  we  reached  the  shore,  the 
transparency  of  the  water  enabling  us  to  see  the  bottom 
at  a  considerable  depth. 

"  The  cliffs  and  masses  of  rock  along  the  shore  were 
whitened  by  an  incrustation  of  salt  where  the  waves 
clashed  up  against  them;  and  the  evaporating  water, 
which  had  been  left  in  holes  and  hollows  on  the  surface 
of  the  rocks,  was  covered  with  a  crust  of  salt  about  one 
eighth  of  an  inch  in  thickness. 


144  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

"  Carrying  with  us  the  barometer  and  other  instru- 
ments, in  the  afternoon  we  ascended  to  the  highest  point 
of  the  island — a  bare,  rocky  peak,  800  feet  above  the 
lake.  Standing  on  the  summit,  we  enjoyed  an  extended 
view  of  the  lake,  inclosed  in  a  basin  of  rugged  moun- 
tains, which  sometimes  left  marshy  flats  and  extensive 
bottoms  between  them  and  the  shore,  and  in  other  places 
came  directly  down  into  the  water  with  bold  and  precipi- 
tous bluffs. 

"  As  we  looked  over  the  vast  expanse  of  water  spread 
out  beneath  us,  and  strained  our  eyes  along  the  silent 
shores  over  which  hung  so  much  doubt  and  uncertainty, 
and  which  were  so  full  of  interest  to  us,  I  could  hardly 
repress  the  almost  irresistible  desire  to  continue  our 
exploration ;  but  the  lengthening  snow  on  the  moun- 
tains was  a  plain  indication  of  the  advancing  season,  and 
our  frail  linen  boat  appeared  so  insecure  that  I  was 
unwilling  to  trust  our  lives  to  the  uncertainties  of  the 
lake.  I  therefore  unwillingly  resolved  to  terminate  our 
survey  here,  and  remain  satisfied  for  the  present  with 
what  we  had  been  able  to  add  to  the  unknown  geography 
of  the  region.  We  felt  pleasure  also  in  remembering  that 
we  were  the  first  who,  in  the  traditionary  annals  of  the 
country,  had  visited  the  islands,  and  broken,  with  the 
cheerful  sound  of  human  voices,  the  long  solitude  of  the 
place. 

"I  accidentally  left  on  the  summit  the  brass  cover  to 
the  object  end  of  my  spy-glass ;  and  as  it  will  probably 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARS  OX.  145 

remain  there  undisturbed  by  Indians,  it  will  furnish  mat- 
ter of  speculation  to  some  future  traveller.  In  our  excur- 
sions about  the  island,  we  did  not  meet  with  any  kind  of 
animal;  a  magpie,  and  another  larger  bird,  probably 
attracted  by  the  smoke  of  our  fire,  paid  us  a  visit  from  the 
shore,  and  were  the  only  living  things  seen  during  our 
stay.  The  rock  constituting  the  cliffs  along  the  shore 
where  we  were  encamped,  is  a  talcous  rock,  or  steatite, 
with  brown  spar. 

"  At  sunset,  the  temperature  was  70°.  We  had  arrived 
just  in  time  to  obtain  a  meridian  altitude  of  the  sun,  and 
other  observations  were  obtained  this  evening,  which 
place  our  camp  in  latitude  41°  10'  42",  and  longitude 
112°  21'  05"  from  Greenwich.  From  a  discussion  of  the 
barometrical  observations  made  during  our  stay  on  the 
shores  of  the  lake,  we  have  adopted  4,200  feet  for  its  ele- 
vation above  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  In  the  first  disap- 
pointment we  felt  from  the  dissipation  of  our  dream  o( 
the  fertile  islands,  I  called  this  Disappointment  Island. 

"  Out  of  the  driftwood,  we  made  ourselves  pleasant 
little  lodges,  open  to  the  water,  and,  after  having  kindled 
large  fires  to  excite  the  wonder  of  any  straggling  savage 
on  the  lake  shores,  lay  down,  for  the  first  time  in  a  long 
journey,  in  perfect  security;  no  one  thinking  about  his 
arms.  The  evening  was  extremely  bright  and  pleasant ; 
but  the  wind  rose  during  the  night,  and  the  waves  began 
to  break  heavily  on  the  shore,  making  our  island  tremble. 
I  had  not  expected  in  our  inland  journey  to  hear  the  roar 
10 


146  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

of  an  ocean  surf;  and  the  strangeness  of  our  situation,  and 
the  excitement  we  felt  in  the  associated  interests  of  the 
place,  made  this  one  of  the  most  interesting  nights  I 
remember  during  our  long  expedition. 

"  In  the  morning,  the  surf  was  breaking  heavily  on  the 
shore,  and  we  were  up  early.  The  lake  was  dark  and 
agitated,  and  we  hurried  through  our  scanty  breakfast,  and 
embarked — having  first  filled  one  of  the  buckets  with 
water  from  which  it  was  intended  to  make  salt.  The  sun 
had  risen  by  the  time  we  were  ready  to  start ;  and  it  was 
blowing  a  strong  gale  of  wind,  almost  directly  off  the 
shore,  and  raising  a  considerable  sea,  in  which  our  boat 
strained  very  much.  It  roughened  as  we  got  away  from 
the  island,  and  it  required  all  the  efforts  of  the  men  to 
make  any  head  against  the  wind  and  sea ;  the  gale  rising 
with  the  sun ;  and  there  was  danger  of  being  blown  into 
one  of  the  open  reaches  beyond  the  island.  At  the  dis- 
tance of  half  a  mile  from  the  beach,  the  depth  of  water 
was  sixteen  feet,  with  a  clay  bottom  ;  but,  as  the  working 
of  the  boat  was  very  severe  labor,  and  during  the  opera- 
tion of  sounding,  it  was  necessary  to  cease  paddling,  dur- 
ing which  the  boat  lost  considerable  way,  I  was  unwill- 
ing to  discourage  the  men,  and  reluctantly  gave  up  my 
intention  of  ascertaining  the  depth  and  character  of  the 
bed.  There  was  a  general  shout  in  the  boat  when  we 
found  ourselves  in  one  fathom,  and  we  soon  after  landed 
on  a  low  point  of  mud,  where  we  unloaded  the  boat,  and 
carried  the  baggage  to  firmer  ground." 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  Return — Suffering  for  Food — A  Royal  Feast — On  the  Lewis 
Fork — Fort  Hall — Division  of  the  Party — Arrival  at  Dalles — 
The  Sierra  Nevada — Preparations  for  the  Passage  Through  the 
Mountains — Fremont's  Account. 

THE  explorers  remained  in  camp  the  next  day  and 
boiled  down  some  of  the  water  from  the  lake,  thereby 
obtaining  considerable  salt.  The  following  morning  was 
clear  and  beautiful  and  they  returned  by  the  same  route, 
ascending  the  valley  of  Bear  River  toward  the  north. 

The  expected  Fitzpatrick  and  the  provisions  did  not 
show  themselves  and  the  party  began  to  suffer  for  food. 
When  their  situation  became  serious,  Fremont  permitted 
a  horse  to  be  killed  and  then  all  enjoyed  one  of  their  old- 
fashioned  feasts. 

But  this  supply  could  not  last  long,  and  still  they  failed 
to  meet  their  expected  friends.  After  a  time  they 
encountered  an  Indian  who  had  killed  an  antelope,  which 
they  quickly  purchased  and  another  feast  made  every 
heart  glad.  By  way  of  dessert,  a  messenger  galloped 
into  camp  with  the  news  that  Fitzpatrick  was  close  at 
hand  with  an  abundant  supply  of  provisions. 

The  next  morning  the  two  parties  united  and  continued 
the  journey  together.  After  leaving  the  Bear  River  Valley 
they  crossed  over  to  Lewis's  Fork  of  the  Columbia.  At 

147 


148  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

night  the  camp  fires  of  the  Indian  twinkled  like  so  many 
stars  along  the  mountain  side ;  but  they  were  all  friendly 
and  the  tired  explorers  slept  peacefully. 

Pushing  onward  they  reached  the  upper  waters  of 
Lewis's  Fork,  where  snow  began  to  fall.  However,  they 
were  quite  near  Fort  Hall  and  they  therefore  went  into 
camp,  while  Fremont  rode  to  the  fort  and  procured  several 
horses  and  oxen. 

The  weather  continued  severe,  but  Fremont  determined 
to  push  on,  despite  the  hardships  which  he  knew  awaited 
them  all.  As  a  matter  of  prudence,  however,  he  sent 
back  eleven  of  his  men,  leaving  about  twenty  with  which 
he  pursued  his  journey  down  the  river  valley  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Columbia.  The  Dalles  was  reached  in  safety 
where  Kit  Carson  was  left  in  command  of  the  party,  while 
Fremont  with  a  few  companions,  pushed  on  to  Vancouver 
Island,  where  he  procured  some  provisions.  On  his 
return,  the  whole  party  united  and  made  their  way  to 
Tlamath  Lake,  in  what  was  then  Oregon  Territory. 
When  their  observations  were  completed,  they  took  up 
their  march  in  the  direction  of  California. 

After  a  long  and  wearisome  journey,  attended  by  much 
suffering  for  the  lack  of  food,  they  came  in  sight  of  the 
Sierra  Nevada  Mountains,  which  were  seen  to  be  covered 
with  snow.  The  men  were  in  a  sorry  plight.  The  pro- 
visions were  nearly  gone;  they  could  not  turn  back,  and 
there  seemed  but  two  alternatives  before  them :  to  push  on 
through  the  mountains  or  remain  where  they  were  and 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  149 

starve  to  death.  Such  men  were  not  the  ones  to  fold 
their  hands  and  lie  down  in  helpless  despair.  Accord- 
ingly, they  made  their  preparations  for  the  terrible  ven- 
ture. 

The  snow  was  so  deep  that  it  was  impossible  to  get 
forward  without  the  aid  of  snow  shoes.  Devoting  them- 
selves to  the  manufacture  of  these  indispensable  articles, 
a  few  were  sent  ahead  to  learn  how  far  it  was  necessary 
to  break  a  path  for  the  animals.  After  a  laborious  pass- 
age, it  was  found  that  nine  miles  would  have  to  be  pre- 
pared in  that  fashion.  Carson  was  with  this  advance  and 
when  they  halted,  he  saw  in  the  distance  the  green  Sac- 
ramento Valley.  Although  nearly  twenty  years  had 
passed  since  he  visited  that  section,  he  recognized  it  at 
once.  Away  beyond  towered  the  white  peaks  of  the 
Coast  Range.  Carson  was  the  only  man  in  the  party  who 
really  knew  where  they  were. 

This  passage  of  Fremont  and  his  men  through  the 
Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  is  one  of  the  most  extraordi- 
nary achievements  in  American  history.  Carson  himself 
took  such  a  prominent  part  in  it,  that  it  seems  only  just 
that  Fremont's  thrilling  account  should  be  quoted. 

"  The  people  were  unusually  silent ;  for  every  man 
knew  that  our  enterprise  was  hazardous,  and  the  issue 
doubtful. 

''The  snow  deepened  rapidly,  and  it  soon  became 
necessary  to  break  a  road.  For  this  service,  a  party  of 
ten  was  formed,  mounted  on  the  strongest  horses ;  each 


150  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

man  in  succession  opening  the  road  on  foot,  or  on  horse- 
back, until  himself  and  his  horse  became  fatigued,  when 
he  stepped  aside;  and,  the  remaining  number  passing 
ahead,  he  took  his  station  in  the  rear. 

"  The  camp  had  been  all  the  day  occupied  in  endeavor- 
ing to  ascend  the  hill,  but  only  the  best  horses  had  suc- 
ceeded ;  the  animals,  generally,  not  having  sufficient 
strength  to  bring  themselves  up  without  the  packs ;  and 
all  the  line  of  road  between  this  and  the  springs  was 
strewed  with  camp  stores  and  equipage,  and  horses  floun- 
dering in  snow.  I  therefore  immediately  encamped  on 
the  ground  with  my  own  mess,  which  was  in  advance, 
and  directed  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  to  encamp  at  the  springs, 
and  send  all  the  animals,  in  charge  of  Tabeau,  with  a 
strong  guard,  back  to  the  place  where  they  had  been 
pastured  the  night  before.  Here  was  a  small  spot  of 
level  ground,  protected  on  one  side  by  the  mountain,  and 
on  the  other  sheltered  by  a  little  ridge  of  rock.  It  was 
an  open  grove  of  pines,  which  assimilated  in  size  to  the 
grandeur  of  the  mountain,  being  frequently  six  feet  m 
diameter. 

«'  To-night  we  had  no  shelter,  but  we  made  a  large  fire 
around  the  trunk  of  one  of  the  huge  pines ;  and  covering 
the  snow  with  small  boughs,  on  which  we  spread  our 
blankets,  soon  made  ourselves  comfortable.  The  night 
was  very  bright  and  clear,  though  the  thermometer  was 
only  at  10°.  A  strong  wind  which  sprang  up  at 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  151 

down,  made  it  intensely  cold;  and  this  was  one  of  the 
bitterest  nights  during  the  journey. 

"  Two  Indians  joined  our  party  here ;  and  one  of 
them,  an  old  man,  immediately  began  to  harangue  us, 
saying  that  ourselves  and  animals  would  perish  in  the 
snow ;  and  that,  if  we  would  go  back,  he  would  show  us 
another  and  a  better  way  across  the  mountain.  He  spoke 
in  a  very  loud  voice,  and  there  was  a  singular  repetition 
of  phrases  and  arrangement  of  words,  which  rendered 
his  speech  striking,  and  not  unmusical. 

"  We  had  now  begun  to  understand  some  words,  and, 
with  the  aid  of  signs,  easily  comprehended  the  old  man's 
simple  ideas.  '  Rock  upon  rock — rock  upon  rock — sno\v 
upon  snow — snow  upon  snow,'  said  he;  'even  if  you  get 
over  the  snow,  you  will  not  be  able  to  get  down  from  the 
mountains.'  He  made  us  the  sign  of  precipices,  and 
showed  us  how  the  feet  of  the  horses  would  slip,  and  throw 
them  off  from  the  narrow  trails  led  along  their  sides.  Our 
Chinook,  who  comprehended  even  more  readily  than 
ourselves,  and  believed  our  situation  hopeless,  covered 
his  head  with  his  blanket,  and  began  to  weep  and 
lament.  '  I  wanted  to  see  the  whites,'  said  he ;  '  I  came 
away  from  my  own  people  to  see  the  whites,  and  I 
wouldn't  care  to  die  among  them  ;  but  here' — and  he 
looked  around  into  the  cold  night  and  gloomy  forest,  and, 
drawing  his  blanket  over  his  head,  began  again  to 
lament. 

"  Seated  around  the  tree,  the  fire  illuminating  the  rocks 


152  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

and  the  tall  bolls  of  the  pines  round  about,  and  the  old 
Indian  haranguing,  we  presented  a  group  of  very  serious 
faces. 

"  February  5. — The  night  had  been  too  cold  to  sleep, 
and  we  were  up  very  early.  Our  guide  was  standing  by 
the  fire  with  all  his  finery  on ;  and  seeing  him  shiver  in 
the  cold,  I  threw  on  his  shoulders  one  of  my  blankets. 
We  missed  him  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  and  never  saw 
him  again.  He  had  deserted.  His  bad  faith  and  treach- 
ery were  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  estimate  of  Indian 
character,  which  a  long  intercourse  with  this  people  had 
gradually  forced  upon  my  mind. 

"While  a  portion  of  the  camp  were  occupied  in  bring- 
ing up  the  baggage  to  this  point,  the  remainder  were 
busied  in  making  sledges  and  snow  shoes.  I  had  deter- 
mined to  explore  the  mountain  ahead,  and  the  sledges 
were  to  be  used  in  transporting  the  baggage. 

"  Crossing  the  open  basin,  in  a  march  of  about  ten 
miles  we  reached  the  top  of  one  of  the  peaks,  to  the  left 
of  the  pass  indicated  by  our  guide.  Far  below  us, 
dimmed  by  the  distance,  was  a  large,  snowless  valley, 
bounded  on  the  western  side,  at  the  distance  of  about  a 
hundred  miles,  by  a  low  range  of  mountains,  which  Car- 
son recognized  with  delight  as  the  mountains  bordering 
the  coast.  '  There,'  said  he,  '  is  the  little  mountain — it  is 
fifteen  years  ago  since  I  saw  it ;  but  I  am  just  as  sure  as 
if  I  had  seen  it  yesterday.'  Between  us,  then,  and  this 
low  coast  range,  was  the  valley  of  the  Sacramento ;  and 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  153 

no  one  who  had  not  accompanied  us  through  the  inci- 
dents of  our  life  for  the  last  few  months,  could  realize  the 
delight  with  which  at  last  we  looked  down  upon  it.  At 
the  distance  of  apparently  thirty  miles  beyond  us  were 
distinguished  spots  of  prairie ;  and  a  dark  line,  which 
could  be  traced  with  the  glass,  was  imagined  to  be  the 
course  of  the  river;  but  we  were  evidently  at  a  great 
height  above  the  valley,  and  between  us  and  the  plains 
extended  miles  of  snowy  fields  and  broken  ridges  of  pine- 
covered  mountains. 

"  It  was  late  in  the  day  when  we  turned  towards  the 
camp;  and  it  grew  rapidly  cold  as  it  drew  towards  night. 
One  of  the  men  became  fatigued  and  his  feet  began  to 
freeze,  and  building  a  fire  in  the  trunk  of  a  dry  old  cedar, 
Mr.  Fitzpatrick  remained  with  him  until  his  clothes 
could  be  dried,  and  he  was  in  a  condition  to  come  on. 
After  a  day's  march  of  twenty  miles,  we  straggled  into 
camp,  one  after  another,  at  nightfall ;  the  greater  number 
excessively  fatigued,  only  two  of  the  party  having  ever 
travelled  on  snow-shoes  before. 

"  All  our  energies  were  now  directed  to  getting  our 
animals  across  the  snow ;  and  it  was  supposed  that,  after 
all  the  baggage  had  been  drawn  with  the  sleighs  over  the 
trail  we  had  made,  it  would  be  sufficiently  hard  to  bear 
our  animals. 

"At  several  places,  between  this  point  and  the  ridge, 
we  had  discovered  some  grassy  spots,  where  the  wind 
and  sun  had  dispersed  the  snow  from  the  sides  of  the 


154  LIFE  OF  KrT  CARSON. 

hills,  and  these  were  tc  form  resting  place  to  support  the 
animals  for  a  night  in  their  passage  across.  On  our  way 
across,  we  had  set  on  fire  several  broken  stumps  and  dried 
trees,  to  melt  holes  in  the  snow  for  the  camp.  Its  gen- 
eral depth  was  five  feet;  but  we  passed  over  places 
where  it  was  twenty  feet  deep,  as  shown  by  the  trees. 

"  With  one  party  drawing  sleighs  loaded  with  baggage, 
I  advanced  to-day  about  four  miles  along  the  trail,  and 
encamped  at  the  first  grassy  spot,  where  we  expected  to 
bring  our  horses.  Mr.  Fitzpatrick,  with  another  party, 
remained  behind,  to  form  an  intermediate  station  between 
us  and  the  animals. 

"  Putting  on  our  snow-shoes,  we  spent  the  afternoon  in 
exploring  a  road  ahead.  The  glare  of  the  snow,  com- 
bined with  great  fatigue,  had  rendered  many  of  the  peo- 
ple nearly  blind ;  but  we  were  fortunate  in  having  some 
black  silk  handkerchiefs,  which,  worn  as  veils,  very  much 
relieved  the  eye. 

"In  the  evening  I  received  a  message  from  Mr.  Fitz- 
patrick, acqainting  me  with  the  utter  failure  of  his 
attempt  to  get  our  mules  and  horses  over  the  snow — the 
half-hidden  trail  had  proved  entirely  too  slight  to  support 
them,  and  they  had  broken  through,  and  were  plunging 
about  or  lying  half  buried  in  snow.  He  was  occupied  in 
endeavoring  to  get  them  back  to  his  camp ;  and  in  the 
mean  time  sent  to  me  for  further  instructions.  I  wrote  to 
him  to  send  the  animals  immediately  back  to  their  old 
pastures ;  and,  after  having  made  mauls  and  shovels,  turn 


LTFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  155 

in  all  the  strength  of  his  party  to  open  and  beat  a  road 
through  the  snow,  strengthening  it  with  branches  and 
boughs  of  the  pines. 

"  February  12. — We  made  mauls,  and  worked  hard  at 
our  end  of  the  road  all  the  day.  The  wind  was  high, 
but  the  sun  bright,  and  the  snow  thawing.  We  worked 
down  the  face  of  the  hill,  to  meet  the  people  at  the  other 
end.  Towards  sundown  it  began  to  grow  cold,  and  we 
shouldered  our  mauls,  and  trudged  back  to  camp. 

"  February  ij. — We  continued  to  labor  on  the  road ; 
and  in  the  course  of  the  day  had  the  satisfaction  to  see 
the  people  working  down  the  face  of  the  opposite  hill, 
about  three  miles  distant.  During  the  morning  we  had 
the  pleasure  of  a  visit  from  Mr.  Fitzpatrick,  with  the  infor- 
mation that  all  was  going  on  well.  A  party  of  Indians 
had  passed  on  snow-shoes,  who  said  they  were  going  to 
the  western  side  of  the  mountain  after  fish.  This  was  an 
indication  that  the  salmon  were  coming  up  the  streams ; 
and  we  could  hardly  restrain  our  impatience  as  we  thought 
of  them,  and  worked  with  increased  vigor. 

"  I  was  now  perfectly  satisfied  that  we  had  struck  the 
stream  on  which  Mr.  Sutter  lived,  and  turning  about, 
made  a  hard  push,  and  reached  the  camp  at  dark.  Here 
we  had  the  pleasure  to  find  all  the  remaining  animals, 
fifty-seven  in  number,  safely  arrived  at  the  grassy  hill 
near  the  camp;  and  here,  also,  we  were  agreeably  sur- 
prised with  the  sight  of  an  abundance  of  salt.  Some  of 
the  horse  guard  had  gone  to  a  neighboring  hut  for  pine 


156  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

nuts,  and  discovered  unexpectedly  a  large  cake  of  very 
white  fine-grained  salt,  which  the  Indians  told  them  they 
had  brought  from  the  other  side  of  the  mountain ;  they 
used  it  to  eat  with  their  pine  nuts,  and  readily  sold  it  for 
goods. 

"On  the  1 9th,  the  people  were  occupied  in  making  a 
road  and  bringing  up  the  baggage  ;  and,  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  next  day,  February  20,  1844.,  we  encamped  with 
all  the  materiel  of  the  camp,  on  the  summit  of  the  PASS 
in  the  dividing  ridge,  1,000  miles  by  our  travelled  road 
from  the  Dalles  of  the  Columbia. 

"February  21. — We  now  considered  ourselves  victorious 
over  the  mountain ;  having  only  the  descent  before  us, 
and  the  valley  under  our  eyes,  we  felt  strong  hope  that  we 
should  force  our  way  down.  But  this  was  a  case  in  which 
the  descent  was  not  facile.  Still,  deep  fields  of  snow  lay 
between,  and  there  was  a  large  intervening  space  of 
rough-looking  mountains,  through  which  we  had  yet  to 
wind  our  way.  Carson  roused  me  this  morning  with  an 
early  fire,  and  we  were  all  up  long  before  day,  in  order  to 
pass  the  snow  fields  before  the  sun  should  render  the 
crust  soft.  We  enjoyed  this  morning  a  scene  at  sunrise, 
which,  even  here,  was  unusually  glorious  and  beautiful. 
Immediately  above  the  eastern  mountains  was  repeated  a 
cloud-formed  mass  of  purple  ranges,  bordered  with  bright 
yellow  gold;  the  peaks  shot  up  into  a  narrow  line  of 
crimson  cloud,  above  which  the  air  was  filled  with  a 
greenish  orange  ;  and  over  all  was  the  singular  beauty  of 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON'  I?; 

the  blue  sky.  Passing  along  a  ridge  which  commanded 
the  lake  on  our  right,  of  which  we  began  to  discover  an 
outlet  through  a  chasm  on  the  west,  we  passed  over 
alternating  open  ground  and  hard  crusted  snow-fields 
which  supported  the  animals,  and  encamped  on  the  ridge 
after  a  journey  of  six  miles.  The  grass  was  better  than 
we  had  yet  seen,  and  we  were  encamped  in  a  clump  of 
trees,  twenty  or  thirty  feet  high,  resembling  white  pine." 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Continuation  of  Fremont's  Account  of  the  Passage  Through  the 
Mountains. 

"  WE  had  hard  and  doubtful  labor  yet  before  us,  as  the 
snow  appeared  to  be  heavier  where  the  timber  began 
further  down,  with  few  open  spots.  Ascending  a  height, 
we  traced  out  the  best  line  we  could  discover  for  the  next 
day's  march,  and  had  at  least  the  consolation  to  see  that 
the  mountain  descended  rapidly.  The  day  had  been  one 
of  April ;  gusty,  with  a  few  occasional  flakes  of  snow ; 
which,  in  the  afternoon  enveloped  the  upper  mountains 
in  clouds.  We  watched  them  anxiously,  as  now  we 
dreaded  a  snow  storm.  Shortly  afterwards  we  heard  the 
roll  of  thunder,  and  looking  toward  the  valley,  found  it 
all  enveloped  in  a  thunder-storm.  For  us,  as  connected 
with  the  idea  of  summer,  it  had  a  singular  charm ;  and 
we  watched  its  progress  with  excited  feelings  until  nearly 
sunset,  when  the  sky  cleared  off  brightly,  and  we  saw  a 
shining  line  of  water  directing  its  course  towards  another, 
a  broader  and  larger  sheet.  We  knew  that  these  could 
be  no  other  than  the  Sacramento  and  the  bay  of  San 
Francisco ;  but,  after  our  long  wandering  in  rugged 
mountains,  where  so  frequently  we  had  met  with  disap- 
pointments, and  where  the  crossing  of  every  ridge  dis- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  159 

played  some  unknown  lake  or  river,  we  were  yet  almost 
afraid  to  believe  that  we  were  at  last  to  escape  into  the 
genial  country  of  which  we  have  heard  so  many  glowing 
descriptions,  and  dreaded  again  to  find  some  vast  interior 
lake,  whose  bitter  waters  would  bring  us  disappointment. 
On  the  southern  shore  of  what  appeared  to  be  the  bay, 
could  be  traced  the  gleaming  line  where  entered  another 
large  stream  ;  and  again  the  Buenaventura  rose  up  in  our 
mind. 

"  Carson  had  entered  the  valley  along  the  southern  side 
of  the  bay,  but  the  country  then  was  so  entirely  covered 
with  water  from  snow  and  rain,  that  he  had  been  able  to 
form  no  correct  impression  of  watercourses. 

"  We  had  the  satisfaction  to  know  that  at  least  there 
were  people  below.  Fires  were  lit  up  in  the  valley  just 
at  night,  appearing  to  be  in  answer  to  ours ;  and  these 
signs  of  life  renewed,  in  some  measure,  the  gayety  of  the 
camp.  They  appeared  so  near,  that  we  judged  them  to 
be  among  the  timber  of  some  of  the  neighboring  ridges ; 
but,  having  them  constantly  in  view  day  after  day,  and 
night  after  night,  we  afterwards  found  them  to  be  fires 
that  had  been  kindled  by  the  Indians  among  the  tulares, 
on  the  shore  of  the  bay,  eighty  miles  distant. 

"  Axes  and  mauls  were  necessary  to-day  to  make  a 
road  through  the  snow.  Going  ahead  with  Carson  to 
reconnoitre  the  road,  we  reached  in  the  afternoon  the 
river  which  made  the  outlet  of  the  lake.  Carson  sprang 
over,  clear  across  a  place  where  the  stream  was  com- 


160  LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON. 

pressed  among  rocks,  but  the  parflcche  sole  of  my  moc. 
casin  glanced  from  the  icy  rock,  and  precipitated  me  into 
the  river.  It  was  some  few  seconds  before  I  could 
recover  myself  in  the  current,  and  Carson,  thinking  me 
hurt,  jumped  in  after  me,  and  we  both  had  an  icy  bath. 
We  tried  to  search  a  while  for  my  gun,  which  had  been 
lost  in  the  fall,  but  the  cold  drove  us  out ;  and  making  a 
large  fire  on  the  bank,  after  we  had  partially  dried  our- 
selves we  went  back  to  meet  the  camp.  We  afterwards 
found  that  the  gun  had  been  slung  under  the  ice  which 
lined  the  banks  of  the  creek. 

"  The  sky  was  clear  and  pure,  with  a  sharp  wind  from 
the  northeast,  and  the  thermometer  2°  below  the  freezing 
point. 

"  We  continued  down  the  south  face  of  the  mountain  • 
our  road  leading  over  dry  ground,  we  were  able  to  avoid 
the  snow  almost  entirely.  In  the  course  of  the  morning 
we  struck  a  foot  path,  which  we  were  generally  able  to 
keep;  and  the  ground  was  soft  to  our  animals  feet,  being 
sandy  or  covered  with  mould.  Green  grass  began  to 
make  its  appearance,  and  occasionally  we  passed  a  hill 
scatteringly  covered  with  it.  The  character  of  the  forest 
continued  the  same ;  and,  among  the  trees,  the  pine  with 
sharp  leaves  and  very  large  cones  was  abundant,  some  of 
them  being  noble  trees.  We  measured  one  that  had  ten 
feet  diameter,  though  the  height  was  not  more  than  one 
hundred  and  thirty  feet.  All  along,  the  river  was  a  roar- 
ing torrent,  its  fall  very  great ;  and,  descending  with  a 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  l6l 

rapidity  to  which  we  had  long  been  strangers,  to  our 
great  pleasure  oak  trees  appeared  on  the  ridge,  and  soon 
became  very  frequent ;  on  these  I  remarked  unusually 
great  quantities  of  misletoe. 

"  The  opposite  mountain  side  was  very  steep  and  con- 
tinuous— unbroken  by  ravines,  and  covered  with  pines 
and  snow ;  while  on  the  side  we  were  travelling,  innumer- 
able rivulets  poured  down  from  the  ridge.  Continuing 
on,  we  halted  a  moment  at  one  of  these  rivulets,  to 
admire  some  beautiful  evergreen  trees,  resembling  live 
oak,  which  shaded  the  little  stream.  They  were  forty  to 
fifty  feet  high,  and  two  in  diameter,  with  a  uniform  tufted 
top;  and  the  summer  green  of  their  beautiful  foliage, 
with  the  singing  birds,  and  the  sweet  summer  wind  which 
was  whirling  about  the  dry  oak  leaves,  nearly  intoxicated 
us  with  delight ;  and  we  hurried  on,  filled  with  excite- 
ment, to  escape  entirely  from  the  horrid  region  of  inhos- 
pitable snow,  to  the  perpetual  spring  of  the  Sacramento. 

"  February  25. — Believing  that  the  difficulties  of  the 
road  were  passed,  and  leaving  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  to  follow 
slowly,  as  the  condition  of  the  animals  required,  I  started 
ahead  this  morning  with  a  party  of  eight,  consisting 
(with  myself)  of  Mr.  Preuss,  and  Mr.  Talbot,  Carson, 
Derosier,  Towns,  Proue,  and  Jacob.  We  took  with  us 
some  of  the  best  animals,  and  my  intention  was  to  pro- 
ceed as  rapidly  as  possible  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Sutter, 
and  return  to  meet  the  party  with  a  supply  of  provisions 
and  fresh  animals. 
II 


162  LIFE  OF  AVr  CARSON. 


"  Near  night  fall  we  descended  into  the  steep  ravine  of 
a  handsome  creek  thirty  feet  wide,  and  I  was  engaged  in 
getting  the  horses  up  the  opposite  hill,  when  I  heard  a 
shout  from  Carson,  who  had  gone  ahead  a  few  hun- 
dred yards  —  •  Life  yet,'  said  he,  as  he  came  up,  '  life  yet  ; 
1  have  found  a  hillside  sprinkled  with  grass  enough  for 
the  night.'  We  drove  along  our  horses,  and  encamped 
at  the  place  about  dark,  and  there  was  just  room  enough 
to  make  a  place  for  shelter  on  the  edge  of  the  stream. 
Three  horses  were  lost  to-day  —  Proveau  ;  a  fine  young 
horse  from  the  Columbia,  belonging  to  Charles  Towns  ; 
and  another  Indian  horse  which  carried  our  cooking 
utensils  ;  the  two  former  gave  out,  and  the  latter  strayed 
off  into  the  woods  as  we  reached  the  camp  :  and  Derosier 
knowing  my  attachment  to  Proveau,  volunteered  to  go 
and  bring  him  in. 

"  Carson  and  I  climbed  one  of  the  nearest  mountains  ; 
the  forest  land  still  extended  ahead,  and  the  valley 
appeared  as  far  as  ever.  The  pack  horse  was  found  near 
the  camp,  but  Derosier  did  not  get  in. 

"  We  began  to  be  uneasy  at  Derosier's  absence,  fear- 
ing he  might  have  been  bewildered  in  the  woods. 
Charles  Towns,  who  had  not  yet  recovered  his  mind, 
went  to  swim  in  the  river,  as  if  it  was  summer,  and  the 
stream  placid,  when  it  was  a  cold  mountain  torrent  foam- 
ing among  the  rocks.  We  were  happy  to  see  Derosier 
appear  in  the  evening.  He  came  in,  and  sitting  down  by 
the  fire,  began  to  tell  us  where  he  had  been.  He 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  163 

imagined  he  had  been  gone  several  days,  and  thought  we 
were  still  at  the  camp  where  he  had  left  us ;  and  we 
were  pained  to  see  that  his  mind  was  deranged.  It 
appeared  that  he  had  been  lost  in  the  mountain,  and  hun- 
ger and  fatigue,  joined  to  weakness  of  body,  and  fear  of 
perishing  in  the  mountains  had  crazed  him.  The  times 
were  severe  when  stout  men  lost  their  minds  from 
extremity  of  suffering — when  horses  died — and  when 
mules  and  horses,  ready  to  die  of  starvation,  were  killed 
lor  food.  Yet  there  was  no  murmuring  or  hesitation 
In  the  meantime  Mr.  Preuss  continued  on  down  the 
river,  and  unaware  that  we  had  encamped  so  early  in  the 
day,  was  lost.  When  night  arrived  and  he  did  not  come 
in,  we  began  to  understand  what  had  happened  to  him; 
but  it  was  too  late  to  make  any  search. 

"  March  j. — We  followed  Mr.  Preuss's  trail  for  a  con. 
siderable  distance  along  the  river,  until  we  reached  a 
place  where  he  had  descended  to  the  stream  below  and 
encamped.  Here  we  shouted  and  fired  guns,  but 
received  no  answer;  and  we  concluded  that  he  had 
pushed  on  down  the  stream.  I  determined  to  keep  out 
from  the  river,  along  which  it  was  nearly  impracticable  to 
travel  with  animals,  until  it  should  form  a  valley.  At 
every  step  the  country  improved  in  beauty ;  the  pines 
were  rapidly  disappearing,  and  oaks  became  the  principal 
trees  of  the  forest.  Among  these,  the  prevailing  tree 
was  the  evergreen  oak  (which,  by  way  of  distinction,  we 
shall  call  the  live  oak);  and  with  these,  occurred  fre. 


1 64  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

quently  a  new  species  of  oak,  bearing  a  long,  slender 
acorn,  from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length, 
which  we  now  began  to  see  formed  the  principal  vegetable 
food  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  region.  In  a  short  dis- 
tance we  crossed  a  little  rivulet,  where  were  two  old  huts 
and  near  by  were  heaps  of  acorn  hulls.  The  ground 
round  about  was  very  rich,  covered  with  an  exuberant 
sward  of  grass  ;  and  we  sat  down  for  a  while  in  the  shade 
of  the  oaks  to  let  the  animals  feed.  We  repeated  our 
shouts  for  Mr.  Preuss ;  and  this  time  we  were  gratified 
with  an  answer.  The  voice  grew  rapidly  nearer,  ascend- 
ing from  the  river,  but  when  we  expected  to  see  him 
emerge,  it  ceased  entirely.  We  had  called  up  some  strag- 
gling Indian — the  first  v/e  had  met,  although  for  two 
days  back  we  had  seen  tracks — who,  mistaking  us  for  his 
fellows,  had  been  only  undeceived  by  getting  close  up. 
It  would  have  been  pleasant  to  witness  his  astonishment; 
he  would  not  have  been  more  frightened  had  some  of  the 
old  mountain  spirits  they  are  so  much  afraid  of  suddenly 
appeared  in  his  path.  Ignorant  of  the  character  of  these 
people,  we  had  now  additional  cause  of  uneasiness  in 
regard  to  Mr.  Preuss ;  he  had  no  arms  with  him,  and  we 
began  to  think  his  chance  doubtful.  Occasionally  we 
met  deer,  but  had  not  the  necessary  time  for  hunting. 
At  one  of  these  orchard  grounds,  we  encamped  about 
noon  to  make  an  effort  for  Mr.  Preuss.  One  man  took 
his  way  along  a  spur  leading  into  the  river,  in  hope  to 
cross  his  trail;  and  another  took  our  own  back.  Both 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  165 

were  volunteers ;  and  to  the  successful  man  was  promised 
a  pair  of  pistols — not  as  a  reward,  but  as  a  token  of 
gratitude  for  a  service  which  would  free  us  all  from  much 
anxiety." 

At  the  end  of  four  days,  Mr.  Preuss  surprised  and 
delighted  his  friends  by  walking  into  camp.  He  had 
lived  on  roots  and  acorns  and  was  in  the  last  stages  of 
exhaustion. 

Shortly  the  advance  party  reached  Sutler's  Fort  where 
they  received  the  most  hospitable  treatment.  All  their 
wants  were  abundantly  supplied,  and  provisions  were  sent 
back  to  Fitzpatrick  and  his  party. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Start  Homeward — The  Visitors  in  Camp  and  Their  Story- 
Carson  and  Godey  Start  to  the  Rescue — Trailing  the  Enemy  by 
Night — In  Camp — The  Attack — An  Amazing  Success — The 
Return. 

FREMONT  and  his  command  remained  at  Slitter's  Fort 
about  a  month,  when  their  preparations  were  completed 
for  their  return  to  the  States.  They  journeyed  leisurely 
up  the  valley  of  the  San  Joaquin,  crossing  over  the  Sierra 
Nevada  and  Coast  Range  by  means  of  an  easily  travelled 
pass.  The  latter  chain  was  followed  until  they  came 
upon  the  Spanish  trail,  along  which  they  passed  to  the 
Mohave  River.  Where  the  Trail  diverges  from  that 
stream,  Carson  became  involved  in  a  characteristic  adven- 
ture. 

While  in  camp,  two  Mexicans,  a  man  and  a  boy  rode 
up  and  told  a  sad  story.  They  belonged  to  a  party  of 
Mexican  traders  from  New  Mexico.  Six  of  them, 
including  two  women  who  acted  as  cooks  were  left  in 
charge  of  a  band  of  horses  while  the  rest  were  away, 
engaged  in  barter.  When  endeavoring  to  find  better 
grazing  for  their  animals  and  while  the  man  and  boy  were 
on  guard,  they  were  attacked  by  a  band  of  thirty 
Indians. 

The  warriors  were  after  the  horses  and  their  first  dem- 
166 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  1 67 

onstration  was  a  flight  of  arrows.  The  only  chance  of 
escape  was  to  make  off  with  the  animals  and  the  two 
started  them  on  a  dead  run  straight  toward  the  Indians. 
The  charge  was  so  impetuous,  that  they  forced  their  way 
through,  and  continued  their  flight,  while  the  warriors 
remained  behind  to  massacre  the  others. 

When  the  couple  had  gone  a  long  distance,  they  left 
the  horses  and  turned  back  to  look  for  their  friends. 
While  they  were  doing  so,  they  came  upon  Fremont's 
camp.  When  it  is  added  that  among  those  who  were 
left  behind  by  the  Mexicans,  were  the  wife  of  the  man 
and  the  father  and  mother  of  the  boy,  their  pitiful  situa- 
tion must  touch  the  hearts  of  all.  They  were  overcome 
with  grief,  and  Carson  was  so  stirred  that  he  volunteered 
to  go  back  with  the  couple  and  help  rescue  their  friends 
if  alive,  or  punish  the  Indians,  if  it  should  prove  that  they 
had  been  massacred. 

Richard  Godey,  a  mountaineer  almost  the  equal  with 
Carson,  willingly  agreed  to  accompany  him.  The  two 
were  perfectly  familiar  with  the  country,  which  was  an 
immense  advantage.  When  the  Mexicans  described  the 
spring,  a  long  ways  distant,  where  they  had  abandoned 
the  horses  to  hunt  for  their  friends,  Carson  recalled  its 
exact  location.  It  was  about  thirty  miles  away  and  he 
said  that  that  was  the  point  toward  which  they  must  push 
with  all  speed. 

Accordingly  they  turned  the  heads  of  their  horses 
thither  and  struck  into  a  sweeping  gallop,  resting  only 


168  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

when  compelled  to  do  so,  and  reaching  the  spring  at  day- 
light the  next  morning.  Not  a  horse  was  visible,  but  an 
examination  of  the  ground  showed  that  the  Indians  had 
followed  the  fleeing  Mexicans  and  stock  to  the  spring, 
where,  finding  the  animals,  they  had  captured  and  driven 
them  off  in  another  direction. 

It  seems  like  a  piece  of  madness  for  three  men  to  pur- 
sue ten  times  as  many  Indian  warriors ;  but  the  blood  of 
Carson  was  up  and  he  told  Godey  it  was  too  soon  for 
them  to  turn  back.  The  eyes  of  both  flashed,  when  they 
reflected  upon  the  shameful  outrage,  and  they  meant  that 
the  marauders  should  not  get  off  scot  free. 

As  the  boy  was  only  an  incumbrance,  he  was  left 
behind,  and,  taking  the  trail  of  the  warriors,  the  three  put 
their  horses  to  their  best,  confident  the  chase  would  be  a 
long  one.  On  such  occasions,  the  red  men  are  accus- 
tomed to  travel  a  long  distance  before  making  a  halt. 
With  so  much  booty  in  their  hands,  they  were  liable  to 
be  set  upon  by  others  as  savage  as  themselves,  and  they 
had  every  cause,  therefore,  to  get  out  of  the  country  with 
the  least  possible  delay. 

The  three  were  riding  in  this  furious  fashion,  when 
most  unexpectedly  the  steed  of  the  Mexican  gave  out. 
A  minute's  examination  showed  he  was  as  thoroughly 
used  up  and  useless  as  the  horse  of  the  Ute  Indian,  years 
before,  who  started  out  with  Kit  to  pursue  the  thief  that 
was  running  off  with  the  animals.  There  was  no  course 
but  to  leave  the  Mexican  behind,  for  time  was  too  precious 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  l6p 

to  ride  back  to  camp  after  another  horse.  He,  therefore, 
was  told  to  go  back  to  Fremont's  camp  and  await  their 
return. 

The  exploit  of  Carson  and  Godey,  when  calmly  told, 
seems  incredible.  There  was  no  one  in  Fremont's  com- 
mand who  would  go  with  them,  and  though  they  knew 
there  were  a  score  and  a  half  of  savage  wild  men  to 
encounter,  they  did  not  hesitate,  but  pressed  their  steeds 
to  the  utmost,  eager  to  join  in  the  fierce  hand-to-hand 
conflict. 

When  night  shut  in  upon  them,  the  Indians  were  not 
in  sight  and  the  signs  indicated  they  were  a  good  many 
miles  ahead.  There  was  no  moon  or  stars  and  they 
could  see  only  a  few  feet  in  advance  of  their  horses'  ears, 
but  it  would  not  do  to  linger.  If  they  should  go  into 
camp,  they  would  lose  so  much  ground  that  pursuit  was 
likely  to  be  hopeless. 

Accordingly,  they  dismounted  and  leading  their  steeds, 
continued  the  pursuit  on  foot.  Where  it  was  impossible 
to  see  the  ground,  they  depended  on  the  sense  of  feeling. 
Quite  certain  of  the  general  direction  taken  by  the  red 
men,  they  occasionally  stooped  down  and  passed  their 
hands  over  the  earth.  The  trail  was  so  distinct  that  it 
could  be  readily  detected  in  this  manner,  provided  they 
had  not  gone  astray.  Several  times  they  wandered  to 
the  right  or  left,  but  found  their  way  back  without  diffi- 
culty, and  the  chase  was  continued  for  several  hours  in 
this  singular  fashion. 


I/O  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

After  a  time,  the  trail  became  so  fresh  that  it  could  be 
readily  detected  and  no  doubt  was  left  in  their  minds  that 
they  were  close  upon  the  marauders.  Inasmuch  as 
Carson  and  Godey  had  pushed  their  horses  to  the  utmost, 
and  they  were  showing  signs  of  weariness,  they  con« 
eluded,  in  view  of  these  facts,  to  halt  and  wait  until  day- 
light. 

The  night  was  unusually  cold,  but  they  dared  not  start 
a  fire,  lest  it  should  apprise  their  enemies  of  their  presence. 
So  they  suffered  in  silence,  miserable,  wretched  and  as 
uncomfortable  as  it  was  possible  to  be,  while  watching 
for  the  growing  light  in  the  east. 

When  at  last,  morning  appeared,  they  were  so  chilled 
that  they  could  hardly  walk ;  but  making  their  way  to  the 
bottom  of  a  ravine,  they  kindled  a  fire,  and  with  the  help 
of  some  violent  exercise,  managed  to  start  their  blood  in 
circulation. 

In  a  very  brief  time,  their  horses  were  resaddled  and 
they  were  galloping  along  the  trail  again.  Within  an 
hour,  they  caught  sight  of  the  Indians  and  the  stolen 
animals.  The  warriors  were  in  camp  and  were  enjoying 
a  breakfast  of  horse  meat,  several  of  the  stock  having 
been  killed  to  furnish  the  food. 

Before  the  Indians  could  detect  their  pursuers,  the  lat- 
ter dismounted  and  hid  their  steeds  where  they  were  not 
likely  to  attract  notice.  They  then  started  to  crawl  in 
among  the  stolen  animals,  which  were  grazing  a  short 
distance  from  camp,  This  was  an  exceedingly  delicate 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  1 71 

task,  for  the  horses  were  likely  to  give  the  alarm,  even  if 
the  warriors  did  not  detect  their  presence;  but  patience 
and  skill  succeeded,  and,  after  a  time,  they  were  among 
the  drove. 

But  the  very  thing  they  dreaded  took  place.  They  had 
scarcely  reached  the  animals,  when  one  of  them  became 
frightened  by  the  appearance  of  the  strangers,  and  began 
rearing  and  snorting.  This  caused  such  confusion  among 
the  others  that  the  Indians  became  alarmed  and  sprang 
to  their  feet.  Carson  and  Godey  emitted  a  series  of  yells 
that  must  have  made  the  red  men  envious,  and 
dashed  at  full  speed  toward  the  thirty  Indians.  The 
moment  they  were  within  range,  both  fired.  Carson 
killed  his  man,  but  Godey  missed.  The  latter  reloaded 
with  great  quickness  and  fired  again,  bringing  down  his 
man. 

Meanwhile,  the  warriors  were  thrown  into  a  sort  of 
panic  by  the  amazing  audacity  of  their  assailants.  They 
could  not  have  suspected  the  truth — that  is  that  no  others 
were  near.  They  must  have  believed  that  a  strong 
reserve  was  close  at  hand  and  that  if  they  tarried  in 
camp  they  would  be  overwhelmed  by  a  party  of  avengers. 
Accordingly  they  broke  and  ran,  leaving  the  daring 
mountaineers  masters  of  the  field. 

In  accordance  with  the  savage  spirit  of  the  border, 
Godey  scalped  the  two  Indians  who  had  been  shot,  after 
which  the  horses  were  gathered  together  and  driven  to 
where  the  steeds  of  the  mountaineers  had  been  left. 


1/2  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

But  when  this  point  was  reached,  Carson  expressed 
himself  as  not  satisfied :  they  had  not  ascertained  the  fate 
of  the  captives  and  they  now  proceeded  to  do  so. 

In  the  camp  of  the  Mexicans  were  found  the  mangled 
bodies  of  the  two  men.  These  were  buried  by  Carson 
and  Godey  who  made  search  for  the  women.  Though 
nothing  of  them  was  discovered,  it  was  afterwards  learned 
that  they,  too,  had  been  killed.  Having  done  all  that  was 
possible,  Carson  and  Godey  made  their  way  back  to 
Fremont's  camp,  where  the  stolen  property  was  turned 
over  to  the  Mexicans,  the  daring  mountaineers  refusing 
to  accept  the  slightest  payment  for  their  extraordinary 
services. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Arrival  at  Bent's  F*ort — Carson  goes  to  Taos  and  Decides  to 
Become  a  Farmer — Arrival  of  a  Messenger  from  Fremont — 
Carson  and  Owens  Repair  Again  to  Bent's  Fort — Carson  Engages 
as  Guide  for  Fremont's  Third  Exploring  Expedition — On  the 
Great  Divide — Division  of  the  Parties — The  Journey  Across  the 
Desert— A  Singular  Meeting — Aboriginal  Horse  Thieves. 

AFTER  a  tedious  journey  of  many  miles,  the  exploring 
party  reached  Bent's  Fort  July  2,  1844.  The  labors  were 
considered  finished,  and  bidding  his  old  commander  good- 
bye, Carson  made  his  way  to  Taos,  where  he  had  a  most 
happy  reunion  with  his  family.  He  was  cordially  wel- 
comed by  hundreds  of  old  friends  who  had  learned  years 
before  the  rare  courage  and  worth  of  the  man,  and  who 
were  proud  to  possess  such  a  neighbor. 

Carson  had  led  a  wild  and  adventurous  career,  and,  after 
talking  much  with  those  in  whom  he  had  confidence,  he 
decided  to  adopt  the  life  of  a  farmer.  In  this  conclusion 
he  was  joined  by  Richard  Owens,  an  old  mountaineer 
and  an  intimate  associate  for  many  years. 

It  did  not  take  them  long  to  fix  upon  a  desirable  site, 
and,  in  the  spring  of  1845,  stock  and  animals  were  bought, 
building  commenced  and  everything  was  fairly  under  way. 
At  the  moment  when  the  scarred  mountaineers  were 
counting  with  pleasure  on  the  complete  arrangements 

'73 


174  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

made,  an  express  messenger  galloped  up  and  handed 
Carson  a  letter. 

The  contents  were  of  an  important  character.  Captain 
Fremont  had  written  to  notify  Kit  that  he  had  started  on 
his  third  exploring  expedition,  and,  inasmuch  as  the 
mountaineer  had  given  his  promise  months  before,  that 
in  the  event  of  doing  so,  he  (Carson)  would  serve  again  as 
guide,  Fremont  reminded  him  that  he  should  hold  him  to 
his  pledge  and  would  expect  to  meet  him  at  Bent's  Fort 
on  his  arrival  there. 

It  was  a  considerable  pecuniary  sacrifice  for  Carson  to 
keep  his  promise,  but  he  never  failed  to  do  so,  when  it 
was  not  absolutely  impossible.  Besides,  it  is  fair  to  pre- 
sume that  the  old  life  could  never  lose  its  charm  for  one 
of  his  disposition,  and,  contrasted  with  the  hum-drum 
existence  of  a  farmer,  he  could  not  have  been  much 
grieved  over  the  reception  of  the  message.  But  it  must 
be  stated  that  both  Owens  and  Carson  sold  out  at  much 
loss,  and,  putting  their  affairs  in  the  best  shape  possible, 
bade  families  and  friends  good-bye,  mounted  their  horses 
and  set  out  for  Bent's  Fort  which  was  safely  reached  some 
days  later. 

There  they  were  warmly  welcomed  by  Fremont,  who  had 
entered  upon  his  third  exploring  expedition,  the  last  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States  government,  though 
two  others  were  afterwards  undertaken  on  his  own  respon- 
sibility. As  was  to  be  supposed,  Fremont  taking  lessons 
from  his  previous  experiences,  was  much  better  equipped 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  175 

for  his  third  than  for  either  of  the  other  preceding  expe- 
ditions. He  had  about  fifty  men,  among  them  in  addi- 
tion to  Carson  and  Owens,  being  Maxwell,  the  famous 
mountaineer,  Walker  who  was  a  member  of  Captain 
Bonneville's  expedition  to  the  Columbia,  besides  other 
hunters  and  scouts  less  known  but  not  less  skilful  and 
daring  than  they. 

We  have  already  given  tolerably  full  accounts  of  the 
two  exploring  expeditions  of  Fremont,  and  it  is  not  our 
purpose  to  narrate  the  particulars  of  the  one  which  fol- 
lowed. There  is  a  sameness  in  many  of  the  occurrences 
but  the  third  time  the  Pathfinder  penetrated  into  the 
recesses  of  the  far  west,  he  became  involved  in  a  series 
of  experiences  totally  different  from  the  preceding  and 
deeply  interesting  of  themselves. 

Several  months  were  spent  on  what  may  be  called  the 
Great  Divide — that  is  the  region  where  the  waters  flow 
east  or  west  to  either  ocean,  and  in  the  autumn  of  the 
year  they  encamped  on  the  southwestern  shore  of  the 
Great  Salt  Lake. 

Before  them  stretched  a  vast  arid  plain  to  which  the 
trappers  referred  with  a  shudder  of  terror.  They  had 
heard  of  it  many  a  time  and  the  common  legend  was 
that  no  man  white  or  Indian  who  had  ever  attempted  to 
cross  it,  succeeded.  These  stories,  however,  added  to  the 
eagerness  of  Captain  Fremont  to  explore  its  secrets,  and, 
when  he  proposed  it  to  his  men,  they  expressed  as  strong 


176  LIFE  OF  KIT  C ARSON. 

a  desire  as  he  to  do  so.  They  felt  a  mutual  trust  and 
confidence  impossible  under  other  circumstances. 

Some  seventy  miles  away,  a  mountain  peak  held  out 
the  promise  of  wood  and  water.  Four  men  under  the 
guidance  of  an  Indian,  were  sent  forward  to  explore  the 
place,  and,  in  the  event  of  finding  water,  they  were 
instructed  to  apprise  the  watchful  commander  by  means 
of  the  smoke  from  a  camp  fire. 

When  the  second  day  closed  without  sight  of  the 
signal,  Fremont  became  so  uneasy  that  he  moved  for- 
ward with  the  rest  of  the  party  and  travelled  all  night. 
At  daylight,  one  of  the  smaller  party  approached  them. 
He  said  that  running  water  and  grass  existed  at  the 
mountains,  but  their  Indian  guide  was  wholly  ignorant  of 
the  country.  This  was  good  news  and  the  next  day  the 
party  reached  the  stream. 

Shortly  after,  the  expedition  was  divided  into  two  par- 
ties, Walker  (of  whom  mention  has  been  made),  taking 
charge  of  the  larger  while  Fremont  led  the  smaller.  It 
was  the  purpose  of  Walker  to  pass  around  to  the  foot  of 
the  Sierra  Nevada,  by  a  route  with  which  he  was  fami- 
liar, while  Fremont  with  Carson  and  less  than  a  dozen 
men,  among  whom  were  several  Delaware  Indians,  headed 
straight  across  the  desert. 

While  advancing  over  this  arid  tract,  they  detected  a 
volume  of  smoke  rising  from  a  ravine.  Cautiously 
approaching,  they  discovered  an  Indian  warrior  perfectly 
nude,  standing  by  a  fire  and  watching  an  earthen  pot  in 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

xvhich  something  was  simmering.  He  was  greatly  fright- 
ened and  offered  them  his  food.  They  smiled,  treated 
him  kindly  and  gave  him  several  trifling  presents  which 
he  received  with  childish  delight. 

One  of  the  singular  incidents  of  the  journey  took 
place  while  the  exploring  party  were  making  their  way 
along  the  foot  of  the  Sierras.  Passing  around  a  point  on 
the  lake  shore,  they  unexpectedly  met  a  dozen  Indian 
warriors.  They  were  walking  directly  behind  each  other 
in  what  is  known  as  Indian  file,  their  heads  bent  forward 
and  their  eyes  fixed  on  the  ground.  The  whites  turned 
aside  to  allow  them  to  pass  and  naturally  watched  them 
with  much  interest.  The  Indians  neither  halted,  deviated 
from  the  path,  spoke  nor  looked  up,  but  walked  straight 
forward  with  their  silent,  measured  tread  until  they  disap- 
peared. The  explorers  did  not  interfere  with  them  or 
speak  to  them.  Thus  the  representatives  of  the  differ- 
ent races  encountered. 

The  division  under  charge  of  Walker  joined  Fremont 
at  the  appointed  rendezvous,  but  winter  was  upon  them, 
the  mountains  were  sure  to  be  choked  with  snow  and  no 
one  was  familiar  with  the  route.  As  a  matter  of  pru- 
dence, therefore,  Walker  was  directed  to  continue  south- 
ward with  the  principal  party,  while  Fremont  and  a  few 
picked  men,  pushed  on  directly  through  the  Sierras  to 
Sutter's  Fort,  with  a  view  of  obtaining  the  necessary 
animals  and  supplies. 

The  smaller  division  was   advancing  as  best  it  could, 
12 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

when  a  number  of  plainly  marked  trails  were  observed 
showing  they  were  in  the  vicinity  of  some  of  the  most 
notorious  horse  thieves  in  the  world.  They  were  daring 
and  skilful,  went  long  distances,  plundered  ranches  and 
hastened  to  the  mountains  with  their  booty.  The  exas- 
perated Californians  often  organized  and  went  in  pursuit, 
but  it  was  rare  they  overtook  the  dusky  thieves,  and 
when  they  succeeded  in  doing  so,  were  invariably 
defeated. 

This  sort  of  people  were  undesirable  neighbors,  and 
Fremont  sent  forward  two  Delawares  and  two  moun- 
taineers to  make  an  investigation.  They  had  not  gone 
far,  when  the  company  following  them,  found  the  signs 
so  threatening  that  they  were  alarmed  for  the  scouts.  A 
short  distance  further  they  came  upon  such  an  excellent 
camping  site  that  they  decided  to  halt  for  the  night. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Alarming  Sounds — Danger  of  the  Scouts — Fremont  Goes  to  Theif 
Rescue— Arrival  at  Sutter's  Fort— Ordered  out  of  California  by 
the  Mexican  Governor — Fremont's  Refusal — Withdrawal  to  Sac- 
ramento River — Arrival  of  Despatches  from  Washington — War 
with  Mexico — Meeting  with  Lieutenant  Gillespie — Night  Attack 
by  Klaruath  Indians. 

WHILE  preparing  to  go  into  camp,  the  explorers  were 
mystified  by  hearing  a  number  of  peculiar  sounds  like  the 
barking  of  dogs.  Attentive  listening,  however,  satisfied 
them  that  it  came  from  an  Indian  village  close  by,  whose 
women  and  children  were  calling  out  and  lamenting. 
This  constituted  positive  proof  that  the  friends  in  advance 
were  in  trouble  with  the  red  men  and  there  was  not  a 
minute  to  lose  in  going  to  their  rescue. 

A  half  mile  further,  the  explorers  galloped  over  a  slight 
ridge,  when  they  suddenly  came  in  sight  of  several  hun- 
dred Indians,  who  were  making  their  way  up  two  sides 
of  a  knoll,  on  the  crest  of  which  the  four  scouts  had 
entrenched  themselves  among  the  rocks  and  trees  and 
were  coolly  awaiting  the  attack  of  their  enemies. 

The  little  party  had  run  so  suddenly  into  danger  that 
they  were  compelled  to  make  a  flying  leap  from  their 
horses,  in  order  to  secure  a  suitable  shelter.  The  assail- 
ants had  almost  captured  the  abandoned  horses,  when 

179 


l8o  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON'. 

relief  came.  The  two  Delawares  made  a  dash  to  recover 
their  animals,  'their  companions  shooting  the  foremost  of 
the  thieves.  The  property  was  saved  and  then  all  fell 
back  to  their  own  camp. 

As  the  aboriginal  horse  thieves  were  so  numerous,  Fre- 
mont kept  up  an  unremitting  watch  all  through  the  night. 
Singular  noises  were  continually  heard  and  there  could 
be  no  doubt  that  the  women  and  children  were  retreating 
further  into  the  mountains. 

One  of  the  Delawares  on  guard  was  sure  he  saw  an 
Indian  leap  over  a  log,  and  firing  quickly,  brought  him 
to  the  ground;  but  it  proved  to  be  a  prowling  wolf. 
None  of  their  enemies  appeared,  and  when  morning  came, 
Fremont  Avithdrew  from  his  perilous  position. 

Sutter's  Fort  at  last  was  safely  reached,  and  the  other 
party  having  become  lost,  Carson  was  sent  to  find  them. 
He  succeeded  with  little  difficulty  and  the  companies 
reunited. 

Their  course  was  now  directed  toward  Monterey  on  the 
sea  coast,  where  they  were  confident  of  securing  all  they 
needed,  but  before  reaching  the  place,  a  messenger  arrived 
from  General  Castro,  the  Mexican  commander  of  the  ter- 
ritory, ordering  the  Americans  to  leave  at  once  or  they 
would  be  driven  out. 

Fremont  immediately  intrenched  himself  and  waited 
for  the  Mexicans  to  carry  out  their  threat.  He  waited 
three  days,  and  then,  as  no  attempt  was  made,  withdrew 
to  the  Sacramento,  which  stream  was  followed  to  Law- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  l8l 

son's  Trading  Post,  where  the  commander  hoped  to  pur- 
chase the  outfit  for  the  journey  homeward. 

Moving  northward  toward  the  Columbia,  they  encoun- 
tered an  enormous  force  of  marauding  Indians  with  whom 
a  fierce  battle  was  fought.  The  savages  were  defeated 
and  lost  a  large  number  of  warriors. 

While  encamped  near  Tlamath  Lake,  two  horsemen 
galloped  up  with  despatches,  to  Fremont,  from  Washing- 
ton, forwarded  by  Lieutenant  Gillespie,  of  the  United 
States  Marines.  This  officer  was  making  his  way  through 
the  Indian  country  with  six  men  as  an  escort,  when  his 
animals  began  to  succumb.  Fearing  he  would  not  be 
able  to  intercept  the  Captain,  the  Lieutenant  selected  two 
of  his  best  men  and  sent  them  ahead  with  the  despatches. 
He  begged  Fremont  to  forward  him  assistance,  as  he 
doubted  his  ability  to  reach  him  without  such  help. 

But  the  most  startling  news  brought  to  camp  was  that 
war  had  been  declared  between  the  United  States  and 
Mexico.  When  Fremont  had  read  his  despatches  from 
his  Government,  he  appreciated  the  imminent  danger  in 
which  the  Lieutenant  was  placed,  and,  without  any  tarry- 
ing, perfected  measures  for  his  rescue. 

He  immediately  selected  ten  of  his  men,  Carson,  as  a 
matter  of  course  being  among  them,  and  pushed  on  with 
all  haste,  leaving  directions  for  the  rest  to  follow  as  rap- 
idly as  they  could. 

Fremont  and  his  little  company  had  journeyed  some- 
thing over  fifty  miles  when  they  met  the  officer  and  his 


1 82  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

companions.  The  meeting  was  of  the  happiest  nature, 
for  the  Lieutenant,  in  fact,  was  in  greater  danger  than  he 
suspected,  the  Indians  around  him  being  among  the  most 
treacherous  of  their  race. 

Those  who  have  been  placed  in  a  situation  resembling 
in  a  slight  degree  that  of  Fremont,  can  appreciate  the 
interest  with  which  he  perused  the  letters  and  papers 
from  his  distant  home.  After  the  parties  had  gone  into 
camp,  the  Captain  sat  up  till  after  midnight  reading  by 
the  light  of  the  camp  fire.  Tired  out  at  last,  he  stretched 
out  with  his  blanket  about  him  and  sank  soon  into 
heavy  slumber. 

The  night  was  cold,  and  Carson  and  Owens,  with  their 
saddle  blankets  wrapped  around  them,  lay  down  close  to 
the  fire.  All  at  once  Carson  heard  a  peculiar  noise,  as 
though  some  one  had  struck  a  quick  blow  with  an  axe. 
Wondering  what  it  could  mean,  he  called  to  one  of  the 
mountaineers. 

"  What's  the  matter  over  there  ?  " 

There  was  no  answer,  for  the  head  of  the  poor  fellow 
had  been  cleft  by  an  axe  in  the  hands  of  one  of  the 
Klamath  Indians  who  had  crept  into  camp.  A  Delaware 
had  already  been  killed  by  the  treacherous  redskins, 
that  night  being  the  second  among  all  those  spent  in  the 
west,  when  the  explorers  had  no  sentinel  on  duty. 

Carson  and  Owens  called  out  "  Indians  ! ''  and  spring- 
ing to  their  feet,  hurried  away  from  the  fire  whose  strong 
light  was  sure  to  tempt  the  aim  of  their  enemies. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  183 

One  of  the  other  Delawares  who  leaped  to  his  feet 
snatched  up  the  nearest  rifle  which  unfortunately  was  not 
his  own,  and  was  unloaded.  Unaware  of  the  fact,  he 
tried  to  fire  it  over  again  and  again,  without  suspecting 
the  cause,  while  a  Klamath  launched  arrow  after  arrow 
into  his  body.  The  first  penetrated  his  left  breast  and 
was  fatal ;  but  he  bravely  kept  his  feet  trying  to  dis- 
charge the  useless  gun,  until  four  other  missiles  were  also 
buried  within  a  few  inches  of  the  first. 

Kit  Carson  had  been  quick  to  detect  the  danger  of  the 
brave  Delaware,  and,  in  the  hope  of  saving  his  life,  he 
brought  his  unerring  rifle  to  his  shoulder.  Just  as  his 
finger  pressed  the  trigger,  he  recollected  that  that,  too, 
was  unloaded. 

By  one  of  those  singular  fatalities  which  sometimes 
occur,  Carson  had  broken  the  tube  the  night  before,  and 
left  the  weapon  unloaded.  Without  trifling  with  it,  he 
threw  it  down,  drew  his  single  barrelled  pistol  and  ran 
toward  the  Klamath,  who  was  cooly  launching  his 
arrows  into  the  breast  of  the  poor  Delaware. 

The  Indian  leaped  from  side  to  .side,  so  as  to  distract 
the  aim  of  his  enemies,  and,  instead  of  hitting  him,  Car- 
son only  cut  the  string  which  held  a  tomahawk  to  the 
warrior's  arm.  The  mountaineer  had  no  other  shot  at 
command,  and  Maxwell  tried  his  hand,  but  in  the  uncer- 
tain light,  inflicted  only  a  slight  wound.  The  Indian  at 
that  moment  wheeled  to  run,  when  one  of  the  whites 


1 84  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

shot  him  dead.  By  this  time  the  alarm  was  general  and 
the  assailants  fled. 

There  was  good  reason  to  believe  that  the  Klamath 
Indians  had  set  the  snare  for  Lieutenant  Gillespie  and  his 
escort.  As  it  was,  the  wonder  was  that  Fremont's  com- 
mand did  not  suffer  to  a  greater  extent ;  for  having  no 
sentinels  on  duty,  the  warriors  might  have  perfected  their 
schemes  in  security  and  killed  a  large  number. 

The  Indian  who  drove  five  arrows  into  the  left  breast 
of  the  Delaware,  three  of  which  pierced  his  heart,  was 
the  leader  of  the  attacking  party.  He  had  an  English 
half-axe  slung  to  his  wrist  by  a  cord,  and  forty  arrows 
were  left  in  his  quiver.  Carson  pronounced  them  the 
most  beautiful  and  warlike  missiles  he  had  ever  seen. 

As  may  be  supposed  the  explorers  "  slept  on  their 
arms  "  for  the  rest  of  the  night,  but  the  assailants  had 
fled. 

They  had  killed  three  of  the  explorers,  besides  wound- 
ing another  of  the  Delawares,  who  took  characteristic 
revenge  by  scalping  the  leader  that  had  been  left  where 
he  fell.  The  dead  were  given  the  best  burial  possible. 
As  illustrating  the  ingratitude  and  perfidy  of  these  red 
men,  it  may  be  stated  that  it  was  only  a  few  days  before 
that  they  had  visited  Fremont's  camp,  and,  though  pro- 
visions were  very  scarce,  they  had  been  given  consider- 
able food,  besides  tobacco  and  a  number  of  presents. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Retaliatory  Measures — Fremont's  Return  to  California— Capture 
of  Sonoma— Sutler's  Fort  Placed  Under  Military  Rule— Monte- 
rey Taken  by  Commodore  Sloat — Capture  of  Los  Angeles  by 
Fremont  and  Commdore  Stockton — Carson  Sent  East  r.s  a  Bearer 
of  Despatches— The  Meeting  with  Apaches— General  Kearney 
— Bravery  of  the  California  Mexicans. 

THE  indignation  over  the  action  of  the  Indians  was  so 
great  that  retaliatory  measures  were  determined  upon. 
Fremont  moved  around  Lake  Tlamath  until  nearly  oppo- 
site where  his  command  had  been  attacked.  The  follow- 
ing morning,  Carson  and  ten  men  were  sent  forward  to 
search  for  the  Indian  village  that  was  believed  to  be 
somewhere  in  the  neighborhood.  If  the  discovery  could 
be  made  without  detection  on  the  part  of  the  Indians, 
Carson  was  instructed  to  signal  to  Fremont  who  would 
hasten  forward  with  reinforcements. 

The  mountaineer  had  not  gone  far,  when  he  struck  a 
broad,  clear  trail,  which  speedily  carried  him  in  sight  of  a 
village  of  some  fifty  lodges.  As  it  was  evident  that  the 
Indians  had  detected  their  danger,  Carson  and  his  com- 
panions  made  an  impetuous  attack  before  which  the  red 
men  fled  in  wildest  panic.  A  number  were  shot,  when, 
finding  pursuit  useless,  Carson  returned  to  the  village 
where  all  the  lodges  were  destroyed. 


1 86  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Because  of  the  war  with  Mexico,  Fremont  decided  to 
return  to  California.  On  his  way  thither,  the  Tlamath 
Indians  continually  dogged  them  and  a  number  of  col- 
lisions followed,  though  none  was  or  particular  moment. 
After  suffering  many  hardships,  Lawson's  Fort  was 
reached  and  several  days  were  spent  in  hunting,  while 
Fremont  awaited  instructions  as  to  the  course  he  was  to 
take  in  the  war  then  going  on  between  the  United  States 
and  Mexico. 

As  the  days  went  by  without  bringing  him  any  des- 
patches, he  wearied  of  inactivity  and  decided  to  assume 
the  aggressive.  Accordingly  he  sent  a  force  to  a  Mexi- 
can military  post  known  as  Sonoma,  which  with  little 
trouble  was  taken. 

Fremont  sent  out  a  couple  of  messengers  to  inform  the 
American  settlers  of  what  had  taken  place,  but  the  mes- 
sengers fell  into  the  hands  of  General  Castro  who  put 
both  to  death. 

General  Castro  sent  one  of  his  captains,  with  quite  a 
force  to  destroy  the  Americans,  but  the  officer  changed 
his  mind  when  he  found  himself  in  the  neighborhood  of 
the  detested  invaders.  Fremont  pursued  him  for  nearly 
a  week,  and  captured  much  of  his  stock  and  property, 
but  the  Mexican  was  so  skilful  in  retreating  that  he  could 
not  be  brought  to  bay  and  Fremont  returned  to  Sonoma. 

The  little  force  under  Fremont  now  became  the  rallying 
point  for  the  American  settlers,  and  before  long  the  Cap- 
tain had  several  hundred  under  his  command,  Leaving 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  187 

a  garrison  at  Sonoma,  he  marched  to  Sutter's  Fort,  which 
was  placed  under  military  rule,  and  then  made  his  way 
toward  Monterey  with  the  purpose  of  capturing  that 
town.  On  his  arrival,  however,  he  found  the  place  had 
already  been  taken  by  Commodore  Sloat  and  the  Ameri- 
can squadron.  The  Commodore  leaving  shortly  after, 
Commodore  Stockton  succeeded  him. 

While  at  Sonoma,  Fremont  and  his  comrades  had 
declared  the  independence  of  California  and  adopted  the 
Bear  Flag,  which  was  proffered  to  Commodore  Sloat  and 
the  Star  Syangled  Banner  hoisted  over  the  camp. 

As  the  Mexican  General,  Castro,  was  known  to  be  at 
Los  Angeles,  Fremont  asked  for  and  obtained  a  ship  on 
which  his  force  was  taken  to  San  Diego.  Then  with  a 
much  inferior  force,  he  set  out  to  give  battle  to  the  Mexi- 
can leader  ;  but  the  latter  no  sooner  learned  of  his  coming, 
than  he  fled  with  all  his  men.  Finding  it  impossible  to 
force  him  to  give  battle,  Fremont  encamped  near  the 
town,  where  he  waited  until  joined  by  Commodore  Stock- 
ton and  a  company  of  marines. 

The  junction  effected,  they  marched  upon  Los  Angeles 
which  immediately  fell  into  their  hands.  Long  before 
this,  Fremont  had  become  impressed  with  the  necessity 
of  having  some  communication  with  Washington.  In 
one  sense  it  may  be  said  he  was  all  at  sea,  for  he  was 
without  positive  instructions,  at  a  critical  period,  when  it 
was  most  important  that  his  line  of  policy  should  be 
clearly  defined  by  his  government, 


1 88  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX. 

But  the  matter  of  communicating  with  headquarters, 
thousands  of  miles  away  was  infinitely  more  difficult  and 
serious  than  it  is  to-day.  A  vast,  wild,  perilous  and 
almost  unknown  tract  stretched  between  the  Pacific  and 
Atlantic,  across  which  it  required  weeks  and  sometimes 
months  for  an  express  rider  to  make  his  way.  To  send 
despatches  around  Cape  Horn  took  a  much  longer  time ; 
but  the  necessity  was  so  urgent  that  Fremont  sent  Carson 
with  fifteen  picked  men  across  the  plains,  instructing  him 
to  complete  the  journey  if  possible  in  sixty  days. 

Carson  started  in  the  middle  of  September,  1846,  and 
by  the  exercise  of  his  consummate  skill  he  passed  rapidly 
through  a  most  dangerous  section  without  running  into 
any  special  danger  until  the  third  day.  Then,  when  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  copper  mines  of  New  Mexico, 
he  suddenly  came  upon  an  encampment  of  Apaches,  one 
of  the  most  hostile  tribes  and  the  most  daring  of  fighters 
in  the  whole  southwest. 

This  was  another  of  those  critical  occasions  where 
Carson's  wonderful  quickness  of  mind  enabled  him  to 
make  the  right  decision  without  a  second's  delay.  He 
understood  the  language,  customs  and  peculiarities  of  the 
people,  and  he  knew  them  to  be  splendid  riders  and 
tiger-like  warriors.  The  least  evidence  of  timidity  would 
invite  an  overwhelming  attack:  a  bold  front  and  what 
may  be  called  indomitable  "cheek "were  all  that  was 
likely  to  take  them  through. 

Telling  his  men  to  halt,  Carson  galloped  forward  until 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  189 

within  a  few  rods  of  the  warriors,  when  he  reined  up  and 
called  out  that  he  wished  to  hold  a  parley  with  them. 
Therupon,  a  number  advanced  to  hear  what  he  had  to 
say.  The  mountaineer  stated  that  he  and  his  friends 
were  simply  travellers  through  the  Apache  country ; 
while  they  were  prepared  for  war,  they  desired  peace,  and 
as  their  animals  were  tired  out  they  wished  to  exchange 
them  for  fresh  ones.  The  Apaches  expressed  themselves 
satisfied  with  the  proposal,  and  Carson  carefully  chose  a 
camping  site,  where  they  could  best  protect  themselves 
against  treachery.  Then  the  exchange  was  made,  both 
parties  being  so  well  satisfied  that  they  parted  with  many 
expressions  of  good  will. 

It  was  impossible  to  carry  any  extended  stock  of  pro- 
visions, the  party  depending  upon  their  rifles  to  supply 
their  needs  in  that  direction  ;  but  game  proved  to  be 
very  scarce  and  they  suffered  much  until  they  reached 
the  first  Mexican  settlement.  Although  those  people 
were  at  war  with  the  United  States,  their  friendship  for 
Carson  led  them  to  supply  abundantly  all  the  wants  of 
himself  and  friends. 

With  unremitting  diligence  and  skill,  the  party  pushed 
on  day  after  day  until  the  sixth  of  October,  when,  as 
they  were  riding  across  a  treeless  prairie,  several  moving 
specks  were  observed  in  the  far  horizon.  As  they  came 
closer,  they  resolved  themselves  into  horsemen,  and,  with 
a  delight  which  may  be  imagined,  Carson  speedily 
observed  that  they  were  a  detachment  of  United  States 


190  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

troops  under  the  command  of  General  S.  W.  Kearney, 
who  was  highly  pleased  to  meet  Carson. 

The  detachment  was  a  strong  one  and  was  on  its  way 
to  operate  in  California.  After  that  officer  had  obtained 
all  the  important  news  Carson  had  to  give,  he  decided  to 
send  the  despatches  to  Washington  by  another,  while  he 
employed  the  mountaineer  to  guide  him  back. 

This  delicate  duty  was  executed  with  such  admirable 
skill  that  General  Kearney  commended  Carson  in  the 
highest  terms.  So  rapidly  did  they  move  that  California 
was  entered  early  in  December,  and  they  were  approach- 
ing San  Diego,  when  the  scouts  brought  news  that  a 
large  party  of  Mexicans  were  intrenched  a  short  distance 
ahead  with  the  intention  of  disputing  their  advance. 
Fifteen  men  under  Carson  were  sent  forward  to  drive 
in  the  outposts  and  capture  such  loose  animals  as  could 
be  found. 

A  fierce  fight  followed,  the  Mexicans  showing  far  more 
daring  and  skill  than  was  expected.  General  Kearney 
was  compelled  to  send  two  companies  of  dragoons  and 
twenty-five  California  volunteers  to  charge  the  enemy. 
Carson  was  in  the  front  column,  and  was  riding  at  high 
speed,  when  his  horse  stumbled,  throwing  him  so  violently 
as  to  shatter  the  stock  of  his  gun.  He  lay  partly  stunned 
but  speedily  recovering,  he  caught  up  the  rifle  of  a  dead 
dragoon  and  rushed  into  the  fight.  Though  the  Mexi- 
cans were  finally  driven  out,  they  inflicted  frightful  loss 
on  the  Americans.  Nearly  every  man  who  was  in  the 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  19! 

front  column,  where  Carson  was  riding  when  his  horse 
threw  him,  was  killed  by  the  deadly  bullets  of  the 
enemy. 

The  Mexicans  soon  rallied  and  attacked  the  Americans 
with  such  fierceness  that  the  advance  guard  was  driven 
back  and  forced  to  act  on  the  defensive.  No  soldiers 
could  have  fought  with  greater  gallantry  than  did  the 
assailants.  Before  the  two  mountain  howitzers  could  be 
unlimbered,  almost  every  man  around  them  was  shot 
down.  Then  the  Mexicans  charged  forward,  lassoed  the 
horses,  captured  one  of  the  guns  and  turned  it  on  the 
Americans.  From  some  cause  or  other  it  could  not  be 
discharged.  Finally,  the  Americans  took  refuge  among 
the  rocks,  where  they  were  surrounded  by  three  or  four 
times  their  number,  seemingly  with  the  choice  of  two 
courses  before  them — to  surrender  or  starve  to  death. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Daring   Exploit  of  Kit  Carson   and   Lieutenant  Beale— General 
Kearney  Saved. 

THE  situation  of  General  Kearney  and  his  men  could 
not  have  been  more  desperate.  The  only  subsistence 
they  had  were  their  mules,  and  the  water  was  insufficient 
to  meet  their  wants.  They  were  completely  surrounded 
by  the  brave  California  Mexicans.  They  might  exist  for 
a  time  on  the  bodies  of  their  animals,  but  they  must 
perish  without  water. 

General  Kearney  called  his  friends  together  during 
the  afternoon  to  consult  as  to  whether  any  possible  means 
of  escape  was  before  them.  He  could  see  none.  He  had 
sent  three  scouts  to  Commodore  Stockton  at  San  Diego, 
asking  for  immediate  help,  but  the  three  were  captured 
by  the  Mexicans  on  their  return.  Kearney  had  succeeded 
in  exchanging  a  Mexican  lieutenant,  whom  he  held  pris- 
oner, for  one  of  the  scouts,  but  nothing  was  gained  thereby. 
The  messenger  reported  that  they  had  been  unable  to 
reach  San  Diego,  and  Commodore  Stockton,  therefore, 
was  in  ignorance  of  the  peril  of  his  countrymen  not  far 
distant. 

When  every  one  expressed  himself  as  unable  to  see  the 
first  ray  of  hope,  Carson  in  his  deliberate,  modest  way 
192 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  193 

said  that  it  was  clear  only  a  single  possibility  remained — 
that  was  by  procuring  relief  from  Commodore  Stockton 
at  San  Diego.  Though  the  other  scouts  had  failed  to 
reach  him,  Carson  expressed  his  belief  that  he  could  suc- 
ceed. At  any  rate,  he  desired  to  make  the  attempt,  to 
pass  the  Mexican  lines. 

Lieutenant  Beale,  since  Minister  to  Austria,  and  favor- 
ably known  throughout  the  country,  immediately  sec- 
onded the  proposition,  volunteering  to  accompany  Carson. 
General  Kearney  gladly  and  gratefully  accepted  the  offer, 
and  the  arrangements  were  instantly  made.  These 
arrangements  were  of  the  simplest  nature.  The  be- 
leagured  Americans  were  surrounded  by  three  cordons 
of  sentinels,  and  it  was  necessary  for  Carson  and  Beale  to 
make  their  way  past  them  in  order  to  reach  San  Diego. 

When  night  was  fully  descended,  the  two  left  the  rocks 
and  approaching  the  first  line,  sank  upon  their  hands  and 
knees,  and  crawled  forward  with  the  silence  and  stealth 
of  Indian  scouts.  Despite  the  utmost  care,  their  shoes 
made  a  slight  noise  now  and  then,  and  to  avoid  it,  they 
took  them  off  and  shoved  them  in  their  belts. 

The  exploit  of  Lieutenant  Beale  and  Kit  Carson  was  a 
most  remarkable  one  in  every  respect.  Frequently 
through  the  gloom,  they  would  catch  the  faint  outlines 
of  a  sentinel,  pacing  back  and  forth.  Instantly  the  two 
would  lie  flat  on  their  faces  until  the  man  moved  away, 
when  the  painful  progress  would  be  resumed. 

The  slightest  forgetfulness  was  certain  to  prove  fatal, 


194  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

for  the  Mexicans  knowing  the  desperate  straits  of  the 
Americans,  must  have  been  expecting  some  such  attempt 
and  were  therefore  more  than  usually  watchful. 

Once  a  mounted  Mexican  rode  close  to  the  prostrate 
figures,  sprang  off  his  horse  and  lit  his  cigarette.  He 
was  so  close  that  the  tiny  flame  showed  his  nose  and  feat- 
ures, as  it  was  held  in  front  of  his  face,  while  lighting  the 
twist  of  tobacco.  During  that  most  trying  moment  as 
Kit  Carson  afterwards  declared,  he  distinctly  heard  the 
beating  of  Lieutenant  Beale's  heart. 

There  seemed  no  escape  but  finally  the  horseman  drove 
away  and  the  painful  progress  was  continued  for  fully  two 
miles,  during  which  both  men  were  constantly  peering 
through  the  darkness  for  signs  of  danger.  Again  and 
again  they  were  compelled  to  halt,  and  lying  flat  on  their 
faces,  wait  till  their  fate  was  determined. 

*«  We  are  through, '?  whispered  Carson  at  last,  when 
considerable  distance  beyond  the  last  row  of  sentinels. 

"  Thank  heaven !  "  exclaimed  Lieutenant  Beale  in  the 
same  guarded  voice. 

"  Now  we'll  put  on  our  shoes  and  travel  as  fast  as  we 
know  how  to  San  Diego — " 

The  mountaineer  paused  in  dismay,  for,  while  creeping 
over  the  plain,  he  had  lost  both  his  shoes  that  were  thrust 
in  his  belt.  The  Lieutenant  had  been  equally  unfortu- 
nate, and,  as  it  was  utterly  out  of  their  power  to  recover 
them,  they  could  only  push  on  barefooted,  over  a  soil  that 
abounded  with  thorns  and  prickly  pears.  As  these  could 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  1Q$ 

not  be  seen  in  the  darkness,  their  feet  were  soon  wounded 
to  a  distressing  degree.  It  was  necessary  to  avoid  the 
well  beaten  trails,  so  that  the  route  was  not  only  made 
longer,  but  much  more  difficult  on  account  of  the 
obstacles  named. 

Yet  they  were  working  for  a  great  stake.  The  lives  of 
General  Kearney  and  his  brave  men  were  in  the  balance. 
If  Carson  and  Beale  failed  to  bring  help  right  speedly, 
they  were  doomed. 

All  night  long,  through  the  succeeding  day  and  far 
into  the  following  night,  the  couple,  worn,  wearied  and 
with  bleeding  feet,  pushed  ahead.  When  exhausted, 
they  would  halt  for  a  brief  while,  but  the  thought  of  their 
imperilled  comrades,  and  the  fear  that  some  of  the  Mexi- 
cans were  pursuing  them,  speedily  started  them  off  again 
and  they  kept  to  their  work  with  a  grim  resolution  which 
heeded  not  fatigue,  suffering  and  wounds. 

The  only  compass  Carson  had  was  his  eye,  but  he  was 
so  familiar  with  the  country  that  he  never  lost  himself. 
The  weary  men  were  still  trudging  forward,  when  through 
the  darkness  ahead  suddenly  flashed  out  a  star-like  point 
of  light.  Several  others  appeared  and  a  minute  after 
they  dotted  the  background  of  gloom  like  a  constella- 
tion. 

"That's  San  Diego !  "  exclaimed  Carson,  who  could  not 
be  mistaken.  The  couple  could  scarcely  restrain  their 
joy.  New  life  and  activity  thrilled  their  bodies,  and  they 


196  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

hurried  on  with  the  same  elastic  eagerness  they  felt  at 
the  beginning. 

In  a  short  while  they  were  challenged  by  sentinels, 
and  making  known  their  mission,  were  taken  before 
Commodore  Stockton.  That  officer,  with  his  usual 
promptness,  sent  a  force  of  nearly  two  hundred  men  to 
the  relief  of  General  Kearney.  They  took  with  them  a 
piece  of  ordnance  which  for  want  of  horses  the  men 
themselves  were  forced  to  draw. 

They  advanced  by  forced  marches  to  the  endangered 
Americans,  scarcely  pausing  night  or  day,  until  in  sight  of 
the  Mexicans,  who  considering  discretion  the  better  part 
of  valor,  withdrew  without  exchanging  a  shot  with  the 
naval  brigade. 

As  may  be  supposed,  the  feet  of  Carson  and  Beale 
were  in  a  frightful  condition,  when  they  reached  San 
Diego.  The  mountaineer,  on  that  account,  did  not 
return  with  the  reinforcements,  but  he  described  the 
course  and  location  so  minutely  that  no  difficulty  was 
experienced  by  the  relieving  force. 

Lieutenant  Beale  was  a  man  of  sturdy  frame,  accus- 
tomed to  roughing  it  on  the  frontier,  but  the  sufferings 
he  underwent  on  that  eventful  night  were  such  that  he 
felt  the  effects  for  years  afterward. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Capture  of  Los  Angeles — Court  Martial  of  Fremont — Carson  Ap- 
pointed a  Bearer  of  Dispatches  to  Washington—His  Journey 
to  St.  Louis — Visits  Washington — Appointed  Lieutenant  by 
President  Polk — Ordered  Back  Across  the  Continent — His  Jour- 
ney— Assigned  to  Duty  at  Tajon  Pass — Again  Ordered  to  Wash- 
ington—His Appointment  not  Confirmed  by  the  United  States 
Senate — Visit  to  Washington — Return  to  New  Mexico. 

THE  chief  force  of  the  Mexicans  was  at  Los  Angeles 
over  a  hundred  miles  to  the  north  of  San  Diego.  They 
numbered  six  or  seven  hundred  and  were  strongly 
intrenched.  General  Kearney  and  Commodore  Stockton, 
joined  their  commands  and  marched  to  attack  them. 
Arriving  in  front  of  the  town,  they  scattered  the  Mexi- 
cans intrenched  on  the  outside,  and  then  marched  into 
the  place.  But  the  enemy  had  fled  and  gone  northward 
to  meet  Fremont  who  was  on  his  way  from  Monterey 
with  four  hundred  men  to  attack  Los  Angeles. 

The  Mexicans  had  not  long  to  search  when  they  found 
Fremont,  but,  instead  of  giving  him  battle,  their  com- 
mander surrendered,  possibly  preferring  to  give  him  the 
honor,  instead  of  selecting  the  other  commanders.  Fre- 
mont continued  his  march  to  Los  Angeles,  where  they 
went  into  winter  quarters,  and  Carson,  who  had  been 

197 


198  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

devoting  his  valuable  services  to  General  Kearney,  now 
rejoined  his  old  friend,  Fremont. 

It  may  be  stated  in  this  place  that  the  jealousy  between 
Commodore  Stockton  and  General  Kearney  assumed  such 
a  shape  at  that  time  that  Fremont  was  compelled  to 
acknowledge  either  one  or  the  other  as  his  superior 
officer.  He  selected  Commodore  Stockton  as  the  one  to 
whom  he  owed  superior  allegiance.  The  result  of  the 
petty  quarrel  was  the  trial  of  Fremont  by  court  martial, 
the  particulars  of  which  are  too  well  known  to  require 
further  reference  at  our  hands. 

In  the  following  March,  Kit  Carson  was  selected  to 
carry  despatches  to  Washington.  Lieutenant  Beale,  who 
was  still  suffering  from  the  exposure  and  hardships  he 
had  undergone,  accompanied  him,  together  with  a  guard 
of  a  dozen  veteran  mountaineers.  Lieutenant  Beale  was 
so  weak  that  Carson  for  many  days  was  obliged  to  lift 
him  on  and  off  his  horse ;  but  the  clear  air,  the  healthful 
exercise  and  the  cheery  companionship  of  the  hardy 
scout  were  the  best  tonics  in  the  world,  and  probably  did 
the  invalid  more  good  than  any  other  treatment  that 
could  have  been  devised. 

Carson  took  an  extremely  southern  route,  and  his 
superior  skill  and  knowledge  of  the  country  and  its 
inhabitants  enabled  him  to  avoid  all  danger  until  he 
reached  a  tributary  of  the  lower  Colorado.  While  in 
camp  at  midnight,  they  were  -assailed  with  a  shower  of 
arrows  from  a  party  of  Indians ;  but,  as  Carson  expected 


LIFE  OP"  KIT  CARSON.  1 90 

the  attack,  he  had  made  such  hreparations  that  not  one 
of  his  men  were  injured. 

Without  any  other  incident  worth  the  mention,  Carson 
and  his  escort  reached  St.  Louis.  There  the  renowned 
mountaineer  became  the  hero  of  the  hour.  He  was 
taken  at  once  to  the  home  of  Hon.  Thomas  H.  Benton, 
the  distinguished  statesman  and  the  father-in-law  of 
Colonel  Fremont,  who  introduced  him  to  the  leading 
citizens. 

The  first  person  to  greet  Carson  when  he  stepped  from 
the  cars  in  Washington  was  Mrs.  Fremont,  who  recognized 
him  from  the  description  given  by  her  husband  in  his 
letters.  She  compelled  him  to  accompany  her  to  the 
house  of  her  father,  where  he  remained  an  honored  guest 
during  his  stay  in  Washington,  which  was  for  a  consider- 
able time. 

Among  the  compliments  paid  Carson  while  in  the  cap- 
ital was  that  of  his  appointment  by  President  Polk,  as 
lieutenant  in  the  rifle  corps  of  the  United  States  army, 
and  he  was  ordered  to  return  across  the  continent  with 
despatches.  At  Fort  Leavenworth,  Carson  was  furnished 
with  an  escort  of  fifty  men  who  were  volunteers  in  the 
war  against  Mexico. 

The  journey  westward  was  marked  by  no  stirring  inci- 
dent until  he  reached  the  eastern  declivity  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  where  a  company  of  United  States  Volunteers 
were  overtaken.  They  had  in  charge  an  enormous  train 
of  wagons  on  the  way  to  New  Mexico.  On  the  morning 


200  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

after  the  encampment  of  Carson  near  them,  the  Indians 
made  an  attack  upon  the  volunteers,  capturing  all  their 
cattle  and  more  than  twenty  horses.  The  mountaineer 
and  his  men  dashed  to  the  rescue,  recaptured  all  the  cattle, 
but  were  unable  to  retake  the  horses. 

Shortly  after,  Carson  and  his  company  reached  Santa 
¥6.  There  he  parted  from  the  volunteers  and  hired  six- 
teen others  \vith  which  he  continued  the  journey,  thereby 
obeying  the  instructions  received  at  Fort  Leavenworth. 

Pursuing  the  even  tenor  of  his  way,  he  arrived  at  a 
tributary  of  the  Virgin  River,  when  he  abruptly  came 
upon  an  encampment  of  several  hundred  Comanches, 
who,  as  Carson  happened  to  know,  had  massacred  a  num- 
ber of  settlers  only  a  short  time  before.  Understanding 
as  thoroughly  as  he  did  the  treacherous  nature  of  these 
people,  he  made  a  bold  front,  and,  when  they  attempted 
to  visit  his  camp,  peremptorily  ordered  them  to  keep 
away. 

He  added  that  he  knew  all  about  them,  and  the  first 
one  who  moved  closer  would  be  shot.  Furthermore,  if 
they  did  not  depart,  within  a  specified  time,  he  notified 
them  that  they  would  be  fired  upon.  These  were  such 
audacious  words  that  the  Comanches  doubted  their  sin- 
cerity. To  test  it,  some  of  them  overstayed  their  time. 
Not  wishing  to  break  his  pledge,  Carson  ordered  his  men 
to  fire.  One  of  the  warriors  fell,  while  several  others 
who  were  badly  wounded,  came  to  the  conclusion  that 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  2OI 

when  the  great  mountaineer  made  a  sta talent  there  was 
likely  to  be  considerable  truth  in  it. 

Food  soon  became  so  scarce  that  mule  meat  formed 
the  only  diet  until  they  reached  Los  Angeles.  Carson 
pushed  on  to  Monterey  where  he  delivered  the 
despatches  to  the  proper  officer,  and  then  returning  to  Los 
Angeles  he  was  assigned  to  duty  in  Captain  Smith's 
Company  of  United  States  dragoons.  He  was  given 
command  of  twenty-five  dragoons  and  directed  to  pro- 
ceed to  Tajon  Pass,  through  which  marauding  Indians 
were  accustomed  to  pass  when  returning  from  their  raids 
in  California.  It  was  an  important  point,  and  the  winter 
of  1847-48  was  spent  in  the  performance  of  the  duties 
thus  placed  upon  him.  In  the  spring,  he  was  once  more 
ordered  to  carry  despatches  to  Washington,  an  escort 
being  furnished  him  as  in  the  previous  instance. 

In  crossing  Grand  River,  one  of  the  rafts  became 
unmanageable,  upset,  losing  considerable  valuable  pro- 
perty and  endangering  the  lives  of  a  number  of  the  com- 
pany. A  large  force  of  Utah  and  Apache  Indians  were 
encountered,  but  Carson  managed  them  with  the  same 
skill  he  had  shown  them  so  many  times  before. 

On  arriving  at  Taos,  he  spent  several  days  with 
his  family  and  friends,  after  which  he  proceeded  to  Santa 
Fe'.  There  he  learned  that  the  United  States  Senate  had 
refused  to  confirm  his  nomination  as  lieutenant  in  the 
army.  Many  of  his  friends  were  so  angered  over  this 
slight  that  they  urged  him  to  refus«  to  carry  the  despatches 


202  LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON. 

further;  but  his  reply,  as  given  by  Dr.  Peters,  is  so 
admirable  that  we  quote  it : 

"  I  was  entrusted  with  these  despatches,  having  been 
chosen  in  California,  from  whence  I  come,  as  the  most 
competent  person  to  take  them  through  safely.  I  would 
try  to  fulfill  this  duty  even  if  I  knew  it  would  cost  me 
my  life.  It  matters  not  to  me,  while  I  am  performing 
this  service  for  my  country,  whether  I  hold  the  rank  of 
lieutenant  in  the  United  States  Army  or  am  known 
merely  as  an  experienced  mountaineer.  I  have  gained 
some  little  honor  and  credit  for  the  manner  in  which  I 
have  always  conducted  myself  when  detailed  on  any 
special  and  important  business,  and  I  would  on  no 
account  now  wish  to  forfeit  the  good  opinion  formed  of 
me  by  a  majority  of  my  countrymen  because  the  United 
States  Senate  did  not  deem  it  proper  to  confer  on  me  an 
appointment  which  I  never  solicited,  and  one  which,  had 
it  been  confirmed,  I  would  have  resigned  at  the  termina- 
tion of  the  war." 

Having  determined  to  perform  his  duty,  he  made  care- 
ful inquiries  as  to  the  state  of  feeling  among  the  Indians 
through  whose  country  the  trail  led.  The  reports  were 
of  the  most  alarming  character :  the  Comanches  were  on 
the  war  path  with  a  vengeance.  They  were  swarming  all 
along  the  old  Santa  F6  Trail,  on  the  watch  for  parties 
whom  they  could  overwhelm  and  destroy. 

Such  being  the  case,  Carson  resorted  to  the  bold  arti- 
fice of  making  a  trail  of  his  own,  He  reduced  his  escort 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  203 

to  ten  experienced  mountaineers  and  then  struck  out 
upon  his  new  route.  He  rode  northward  from  Taos 
until  within  a  region  rarely  visited  by  hostiles,  when  he 
changed  his  course  by  the  compass  several  times.  By 
this  means,  he  reached  Fort  Kearney  on  the  Platte  and 
finally  arrived  at  Fort  Leaven  worth.  Not  only  had  he 
avoided  all  trouble  with  Indians,  but  by  following  the 
new  route,  had  found  abundance  of  game  so  that  the 
entire  trip  was  but  little  more  than  a  pleasure  excursion. 

All  danger  was  over  at  Fort  Leavenworth,  where  he 
parted  from  his  escort  and  went  alone  to  Washington. 
Previous  to  this,  the  war  with  Mexico  had  ended,  the 
treaty  of  peace  having  been  signed  February  2,  1848,  and 
proclaimed  on  the  4th  of  July  following. 

Carson  tarried  in  Washington  only  long  enough  to 
deliver  his  despatches  to  the  proper  authorities,  when  he 
turned  about  and  made  his  way  to  Taos,  New  Mexico, 
where  he  joined  once  more  his  family  and  friends. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Hostility  of  the  Apaches— Colonel  Beale  Sends  an  Expedition 
Against  Them— Nothing  Accomplished— Colonel  Beale  Leads 
an  Expedition  with  Carson  as  Guide — Capture  and  Release  of 
Two  Chiefs — March  to  the  Arkansas— Another  Failure — Carson 
and  Maxwell  Build  a  Ranche — Fremont's  Fourth  Expedition — 
The  Murderous  Apaches — A  Fruitless  Pursuit. 

KIT  CARSON  was  one  of  those  whose  destiny  seems  to 
be  that  of  stirring  incident  and  adventure.  No  man  pos- 
sessed such  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  manners,  cus- 
toms and  peculiarities  of  the  tribes  in  the  south-west,  and 
with  his  exceptional  woodcraft,  skill  and  high  courage  his 
services  were  always  indispensable. 

While  he  was  at  Taos,  the  Indians  around  him 
were  restless  until  the  whole  country  was  seething 
and  on  the  verge  of  a  general  revolt.  Colonel  Beale, 
commanding  officer  of  the  district,  had  established  his 
headquarters  at  Taos.  The  Apaches  committed  so  many 
outrages  that  he  believed  the  only  course  open  was  to 
administer  a  thorough  chastisement;  but  it  was  tenfold 
easier  to  reach  such  a  conclusion  than  it  was  to  carry  it 
out.  A  strong  force  having  been  despatched  to  bring 
them  to  account,  pursued  them  to  the  mountains  from 
which  they  were  compelled  to  return  without  accomplish- 
;ng  anything  at  all.  The  subsequent  history  of  these 
304 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  2O$ 

Apaches  and  of  General  Crook's  campaign  against  them 
are  familiar  enough  to  all  to  justify  the  declaration  that 
they  have  proven  themselves  the  bravest  and  most 
formidable  tribe  that  has  defied  the  United  States  govern- 
ment during  the  past  half  century. 

Disappointed  that  the  officer  whom  he  sent  failed  to  do 
anything,  Colonel  Beale  took  command  himself  and 
employed  Kit  Carson  as  guide.  Instead  of  stopping  in 
the  mountains  because  they  were  blocked  with  snow,  as 
the  former  expedition  had  done,  Colonel  Beale  forced  his 
way  with  great  difficulty  through  them.  The  search  for 
the  Indians  was  long  but  fruitless.  The  cunning  red  skins 
were  at  home  in  their  fastnesses  and  not  a  solitary  war- 
rior was  bagged. 

As  the  supply  of  provisions  was  running  low,  Colonel 
Beale  was  forced  to  return  and  retrace  his  steps.  On  their 
return,  they  came  upon  a  village  of  Apaches  into  which 
the  soldiers  charged ;  but  the  nimble  warriors  easily  got 
away,  with  the  exception  of  a  couple  of  chiefs  who  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  Hoping  to  rouse  the 
chivalry  and  gratitude  of  their  nature,  Colonel  Beale 
lectured  them  kindly  and  after  their  promise  to  behave 
themselves,  allowed  them  to  depart.  As  soon  as  they 
were  beyond  rifle  shot,  they  must  have  grinned  with 
exultation,  for  it  was  not  their  nature  to  repay  kindness 
with  anything  but  cruelty. 

As  Colonel  Beale  could  not  accomplish  anything  during 
the  winter  months,  he  returned  to  Taos,  where  he 


206  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

remained  until  February,  when,  learning  that  a  large 
force  of  Indians  were  congregated  on  the  Arkansas,  with 
a  number  of  Mexican  captives,  he  wont  thither  intending 
to  retake  them  by  force,  if  they  could  not  be  secured  by 
peaceable  means.  He  had  two  companies  of  dragoons, 
and  as  before,  engaged  Carson  as  guide. 

When  he  reached  the  Arkansas,  he  found  himself  con- 
fronted by  two  thousand  Indians  who  had  gathered  to 
meet  their  agent  and  probably  to  consult  as  to  their  future 
movements.  The  agent  was  present  and  was  a  man  of 
practical  sense  and  experience.  He  told  Colonel  Beale 
that  it  would  never  do  to  demand  the  prisoners,  for  the 
Indians  were  in  ugly  temper  and  if  aroused,  would  mas- 
sacre the  whole  command.  Colonel  Beale  himself  was 
resentful,  and  very  much  disposed  to  give  the  red  men 
battle,  but  he  suffered  himself  to  be  dissuaded  from  carry- 
ing out  his  original  purpose. 

When  Carson  returned  once  more  to  Taos,  he  reflected 
that  he  was  approaching  middle  life,  and  as  he  now  had 
quite  a  family,  he  was  anxious  to  provide  something  for 
them.  Though  he  had  rendered  services  beyond  value 
to  the  United  States  government,  and  to  different  individ- 
uals, he  had  not  received  enough  compensation  to  place 
them  above  want  should  he  become  disabled.  About  this 
time,  his  old  friend,  Maxwell,  proposed  that  they  should 
build  a  ranch  in  a  beautiful  valley  some  distance  north  of 
Taos,  The  site  was  a  most  charming  one,  though  it  was 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON*  20? 

so  much  exposed  to  the  attack  of  Indians  that  until  then 
no  one  had  dared  to  settle  there. 

Handsome,  roomy  and  substantial  structures  were 
erected,  and  many  of  the  most  enjoyable  days  of  their 
lives  were  spent  on  this  famous  ranche.  It  would  be  a 
pleasant  farewell  to  leave  them  there  to  end  their  days  in 
comfort  and  peace,  but  it  was  to  be  far  otherwise  with 
both  and  especially  with  Carson. 

In  1848-49,  Colonel  Fremont  made  a  fourth  exploring 
expedition  across  the  continent,  he  bearing  all  the 
expense,  as  he  did  in  the  case  of  his  fifth  expedition 
made  in  1855.  The  fourth  was  an  appalling  failure, 
marked  by  an  extremity  of  suffering  that  is  incredible. 
The  guide  employed  was  wholly  ignorant  and  the  com- 
mand became  entangled  among  the  snows  of  the 
mountains,  where  some  of  them  lived  not  only  on  mules 
but  on  each  other.  The  strongest  lay  down  and  died, 
and  the  horrible  features  of  Fremont's  fourth  expedition 
were  only  approached  by  that  of  Lieutenant  Strain  on  the 
Isthmus  of  Darien.  When  the  few  ghastly  survivors 
staggered  out  of  the  mountains  they  tottered  to  Carson's 
ranche,  where  they  received  the  kindest  treatment  from 
him  who  had  served  Fremont  so  faithfully  on  his 
former  expeditions. 

Carson  had  been  on  his  ranche  but  a  short  time,  when 
news  reached  him  of  a  most  atrocious  murder  by  the 
Apaches.  A  wealthy  merchant  was  returning  in  his 
private  carriage  with  his  wife  and  child  from  the  United 


20  3  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

States  to  Santa  Fe.  He  was  accompanied  by  a  small 
escort  and  the  wagon  train  carrying  his  goods.  When 
he  believed  all  danger  past,  he  hurried  forward  with  his 
family,  who  were  becoming  tired  of  the  journey. 

At  a  point  where  there  was  no  suspicion  of  danger, 
the  Apaches  fired  upon  the  carriage,  killing  every  one 
who  accompanied  it,  including  the  merchant  himself. 
The  wife  and  child  were  made  prisoners  and  carried 
away.  Shortly  after  the  little  one  was  tomahawked  and 
thrown  into  the  river. 

When  news  of  the  outrage  reached  New  Mexico,  a 
party  was  hastily  organized  and  started  out  in  the  hope 
of  saving  the  woman  and  punishing  the  wretches  who 
had  committed  the  murders.  When  Carson  learned  of 
what  was  contemplated,  he  offered  his  services.  They 
were  accepted,  but  much  to  the  surprise  of  his  friends, 
he  was  given  an  inferior  position.  It  was  characteristic 
of  the  splendid  scout  that  he  did  not  show  by  word  or 
look  that  he  felt  the  slightest  resentment  on  account  of 
the  slight. 

With  a  less  skilful  leader  than  himself,  Carson  galloped 
with  the  company  to  the  scene  of  the  murder.  The 
sight  was  frightfully  suggestive :  pieces  of  harness,  band 
boxes,  trunks,  strips  of  blood-stained  clothing,  and  frag- 
ments of  the  carriage  attested  the  untamable  ferocity  of 
the  Apaches  who  had  swooped  down  on  the  doomed 
party  like  a  cyclone. 

From  that  point  the  trail  was  taken  and  the  infuriated 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  2CX) 

mountaineers  urged  their  steeds  to  the  utmost,  knowing 
the  value  of  every  hour  and  that  in  the  case  of  a  fight 
with  the  Indians  a  surprise  is  half  the  battle. 

Day  after  day  the  pursuit  was  maintained  until  nearly 
two  weeks  had  gone  by,  before  the  first  glimpse  of  a 
warrior  was  obtained.  The  trail  was  one  of  the  worst 
imaginable,  and,  had  the  pursuers  been  less  skilful,  they 
would  have  been  baffled  almost  from  the  first.  At 
certain  points,  the  Apaches  would  break  up  into  parties 
of  two  or  three  that  would  take  different  routes,  reuniting 
at  some  place  many  miles  beyond  where  water  was 
known  to  be.  This  was  done  repeatedly,  with  a  view  of 
disconcerting  any  avengers  who  might  take  their  trail, 
and  it  is  a  tribute  to  the  ability  of  the  mountaineers  that 
the  cunning  artifice  failed,  so  far  as  they  were  concerned, 
of  its  purpose. 

At  last  the  Apaches  were  descried  in  the  distance. 
Carson  was  the  first  to  discover  them,  he  being  some 
distance  in  advance.  Knowing  how  necessary  it  was  to 
surprise  them  he  shouted  to  his  companions  to  charge  at 
once.  Not  doubting  he  would  be  followed,  he  dashed 
ahead  with  his  horse  on  a  dead  run,  but  looking  over 
his  shoulder  when  he  had  gone  part  way,  he  saw  to  his 
consternation  he  was  alone. 

Angered  and  impatient,  he  rode  back  to  learn  what  it 

meant.     The  chief  guide  had  directed  the  men  to  wait  as 

there  was  no  doubt  the  Apache's  desired  to  hold  a  parley. 

It  meant  the  next  moment  in  the  shape  of  a  bullet  from 

14 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  Indians  which  struck  the  leader  in  the  breast  and 
rendered  him  senseless.  As  soon  as  he  recovered,  he 
ordered  his  men  to  make  the  attack  and  leave  him  to 
himself. 

He  was  obeyed,  but  the  delay  was  fatal.  On  charging 
into  the  camp  they  were  able  to  kill  only  one  warrior. 
The  body  of  the  woman  was  found  still  warm,  showing 
that  she  had  been  slain  only  a  brief  while  before. 

All  those  acquainted  with  the  particulars  of  this  sad 
affair  agreed  that  had  the  advice  of  Carson  been  followed 
the  poor  lady  might  have  been  saved. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

The  Wounded  Herder— A  Successful  Pursuit— An  Atrocious  Plot-. 
How  it  was  Frustrated— Gratitude  of  the  Gentlemen  Whom 
Carson  was  the  Means  of  Saving  From  Death. 

CARSON  returned  to  his  ranche  where  lie  spent  the 
winter.  One  day  in  spring  a  wounded  herder  managed 
to  reach  the  place  with  the  news  that  he  and  his  com- 
panion, stationed  a  few  miles  away,  had  been  attacked  by 
Apaches,  who  wounded  both,  and  ran  off  all  the  horses 
and  mules. 

A  squad  of  ten  dragoons  and  a  sergeant  were  on 
guard  near  Carson's  ranche.  They  and  three  settlers, 
including  Carson,  started  at  once  in  pursuit.  It  was  so 
late  in  the  day  that  when  they  came  to  the  place  where 
the  outrage  had  been  committed,  it  was  dark  and  they 
went  into  camp  ;  but  they  were  astir  at  the  earliest  dawn, 
and  soon  striking  the  trail  of  the  thieves,  put  their  ani- 
mals to  a  keen  gallop.  Some  twenty  miles  further,  the 
Apaches  were  described  a  long  distance  away.  As  it 
was  upon  the  open  prairie  the  contest  at  once  resolved 
itself  into  an  open  chase. 

It  was  no  time  to  spare  the  animals,  whose  rapid  gait 
was  increased  until  it  became  a  killing  pace.  The  pur- 
suers were  steadily  gaining,  when  four  of  their  horses 
succumbed  and  their  riders,  much  to  their  chagrin,  were 
211 


212  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

shut  out  from  the  impending  fray.  The  others  had  no 
time  to  stop :  they  could  simply  shout  good-bye  to  them 
and  spur  their  steeds  to  greater  exertions.  Fortunately 
the  pursuers  were  better  mounted  than  the  fugitives  who 
numbered  a  full  score.  With  a  bravery  characteristic  of 
their  tribe,  they  clung  to  their  stolen  property  preferring 
to  be  overtaken  and  forced  into  a  fight  rather  than 
abandon  it. 

As  soon  as  the  parties  were  within  rifle  range,  the 
battle  began  and  became  of  the  most  exciting  char- 
acter. The  Apaches  were  splendid  horsemen  and  dis- 
played great  skill.  They  threw  themselves  on  the  far 
side  of  their  steeds,  firing  from  under  the  neck,  and  keep- 
ing their  bodies  so  well  concealed  that  it  was  a  difficult 
task  to  bring  them  down. 

But  the  white  men  were  accustomed  to  that  sort  of 
work,  and  the  Apaches  learned  a  lesson  they  never  for- 
got. Five  of  their  best  warriors  were  killed,  several 
badly  wounded  and  nearly  all  the  animals  recaptured. 
Kit  Carson  directed  every  movement  of  his  men  and  to 
that  fact  their  great  success  was  due. 

The  mountaineer  was  favored  with  prosperous  times  on 
his  ranche.  He  and  a  companion  drove  fifty  head  of 
mules  and  horses  to  Fort  Laramie,  where  they  were  dis- 
posed of  at  a  liberal  profit.  The  round  journey  of  a 
thousand  miles,  was  attended  with  much  danger,  but  it 
was  accomplished  without  mishap. 

He    reached    home  just   in   time   to   learn   that  the 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  213 

Apaches  had  visited  the  little  settlement  and  run  off  all 
the  animals.  But  as  enough  soldiers  were  within  call,  a 
pursuit  was  soon  organized  and  very  nearly  all  the  stock 
was  recovered. 

Some  months  later  an  officer  of  the  United  States 
Army  in  Taos,  learned  of  a  most  atrocious  plot  that  was 
on  foot.  Two  wealthy  gentlemen,  travelling  leisurely 
through  that  section  of  the  country  had  engaged  an 
American  named  Fox  to  hire  enough  men  to  escort  them 
across  the  plains.  This  Fox  was  one  of  the  most  con- 
scienceless wretches  and  desperadoes  that  ever  lived.  He 
formed  a  scheme  to  murder  the  two  gentlemen  at  a  cer- 
tain point  on  the  plains  and  to  divide  their  money  among 
him  and  his  companions.  Those  whom  he  secured  were 
taken  into  his  confidence  and  agreed  to  the  crime  before- 
hand. 

Among  those  to  whom  he  applied,  was  a  miscreant 
in  Taos,  who,  for  some  reason,  refused  to  go  with 
him.  However,  he  kept  the  secret  until  sure  the  entire 
party  were  so  far  out  on  the  plains  that  nothing  could 
prevent  the  perpetration  of  the  crime.  He  then  told  it 
to  several  associates  one  of  whom  made  it  known  to  the 
officer  of  whom  we  have  spoken. 

This  gentleman  was  horrified,  and  uncertain  what  could 
be  done,  if  indeed  he  could  do  anything,  hastened  to  Kit 
Carson,  to  whom  he  made  known  the  story.  The  moun- 
taineer listened  eagerly,  and,  as  soon  as  he  grasped  the 
whole  plot,  declared  there  was  reason  to  believe  it  was 


214  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

not  too  late  to  frustrate  it.  With  that  wonderful  intuition 
which  was  such  a  marked  characteristic  of  his  nature,  he 
fixed  upon  the  very  place  where  it  had  been  decided  the 
crime  was  to  be  committed.  Knowing  the  entire  route, 
it  was  easy  to  determine  the  spot  most  likely  to  be 
selected,  which  was  more  than  two  hundred  miles  distant. 
Instead,  therefore,  of  following  the  trail,  he  struck  directly 
across  the  open  prairie  by  the  most  direct  course  to  his 
destination. 

Ten  finely  mounted  dragoons  accompanied,  all  ready 
for  any  deed  of  daring.  The  route  led  through  a  country 
where  the  Indians  were  very  hostile,  but  they  were 
avoided  with  little  difficulty.  The  second  night  out,  they 
came  upon  the  encampment  of  a  detachment  of  United 
States  troops,  whose  captain  volunteered  to  take  twenty 
of  his  soldiers  and  help  bring  the  desperadoes  to  justice. 

The  expedition  was  a  complete  success.  They  over- 
took the  party  at  the  very  spot  fixed  upon,  and  Fox  was 
arrested  before  he  suspected  the  business  of  the  strangers 
in  camp.  When  the  overthrow  of  the  wretches  was  com- 
plete, the  gentlemen  were  told  the  story.  They  were 
speechless  for  a  moment  and  could  not  believe  it ;  but 
the  proof  was  complete,  and  they  turned  pale  at  the 
thought  of  the  fate  they  had  escaped. 

Their  gratitude  was  unbounded.  Taking  the  hand  of 
Carson  they  begged  him  to  name  some  reward  he  would 
accept,  but  the  mountaineer  shook  his  head. 

"  I  am  more  than  repaid  in  being  able  to  help  frustrate 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  21$ 

such  a  crime  as  was  contemplated ;  I  cannot  think  of 
accepting  anything  of  the  kind  you  name." 

The  gentlemen,  however,  could  not  forget  that  under 
heaven,  they  owed  their  lives  to  Kit  Carson.  The  follow- 
ing spring  a  couple  of  splendid  revolvers  arrived  at  the 
mountaineer's  ranche  addressed  to  him.  Beautifully 
engraved  on  them  were  a  few  sentences  expressive  of  the 
feelings  of  the  donors  and  the  special  occasion  which 
called  forth  the  gift. 

It  is  easy  to  understand  how  much  more  acceptable 
such  an  acknowledgement  was  to  Kit  Carson  than  any 
sum  of  money  could  have  been. 

Fox  was  lodged  in  jail,  but  though  there  was  no  doubt 
of  his  guilt  in  the  minds  of  every  one,  yet  the  meditated 
crime  was  so  difficult  to  establish  that  ultimately  he  was 
set  free. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Carson  Visits  St.  Louis  on  Business — Encounter  with  Cheyennes 
on  his  Return— His  Sagacity  Does  not  Fail  Him— Carson's 
Last  Beaver  Expedition — His  California  Speculation. 

MAXWELL,  the  mountaineer  and  intimate  friend  of  Car- 
son was  quite  wealthy  and  was  of  great  assistance  in 
several  schemes  which  they  undertook  in  partnership. 
One  of  their  enterprises,  was  that  of  sending  a  train  of 
wagons  belonging  to  the  two  to  the  States.  Carson  took 
charge,  and,  jogging  along  at  a  comfortable  rate,  they 
reached  in  due  time  the  Missouri,  where  he  went  by  steam- 
boat to  St.  Louis.  There  he  purchased  a  large  amount 
of  merchandise  which  was  taken  up  stream  on  the  boat, 
transferred  to  his  wagon  trail  and  the  faces  of  all  were 
then  turned  toward  New  Mexico. 

Everything  went  well  until  they  approached  the  ford- 
ing of  the  Arkansas,  when  they  came  upon  a  large  village 
of  Cheyenne  Indians.  Unfortunately  some  days  before, 
a  company  of  recruits  had  shown  such  cruelty  toward 
several  warriors  belonging  to  that  tribe,  that  they  were 
roused  to  the  highest  point  of  fury,  and  were  only 
waiting  an  opportunity  to  visit  punishment  on  the  first 
whites  that  came  in  their  way. 

Carson  knew  nothing  of  the  occurrence  nor  did  he 
know  of  the  bitter  hostility  of  the  Cheyennes,  but  when 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  21 7 

they  went  into  council,  and  he  overheard  some  expres- 
sions, he  saw  that  something  was  wrong.  He  warned  his 
men  to  be  ready  for  instant  attack  never  permitting  the 
Indians  to  catch  them  off  their  guard  for  a  single 
moment. 

The  warriors  fell  behind,  but  after  awhile,  a  number 
rode  up  on  horseback.  They  were  in  their  war  paint  and 
there  could  be  no  doubt  of  their  hostility.  Carson  spoke 
in  a  conciliating  manner  and  invited  them  into  his  camp 
to  have  a  smoke  and  talk.  The  invitation  was  accepted. 
The  hypocritical  ceremony  continued  some  time,  when 
the  warriors  began  talking  among  themselves. 

They  spoke  in  Sioux  at  first,  their  purpose  being  to 
lay  the  impending  massacre  against  those  people,  but  in 
their  excitement,  they  dropped  back  to  their  own  tongue 
and  the  whole  appalling  truth  became  speedily  known  to 
Carson  and  through  him  to  his  companions. 

He  sat  on  the  ground  with  the  furious  warriors,  and 
heard  them  agree  that  at  the  moment  the  leader  (as  they 
recognized  Carson  to  be),  laid  down  his  arms  to  take  the 
pipe  in  his  mouth,  they  would  leap  upon  and  kill  him. 
They  would  then  massacre  all  the  rest.  Inasmuch  as 
they  were  powerful  enough  to  carry  out  this  diabolical 
plan,  it  will  be  admitted  that  Carson's  nerves  were  pretty 
thoroughly  tested,  when  the  pipe  passing  from  one  to  tke 
other  was  within  a  few  minutes  of  reaching  him. 

Most  of  the  men  with  the  mountaineer  were  Mexicans, 
very  deficient  in  courage  and  in  a  hand-to-hand  encoun- 


218  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

ter,  the  Cheyennes  could  overcome  the  party  in  the  space 
of  a  few  minutes. 

It  was  in  such  crises  as  these  that  the  remarkable  fer- 
tility of  resources  possessed  by  Kit  Carson  displayed 
themselves.  He  seemed  to  perceive  by  intuition  the 
wisest  course  to  adopt  and  that  perception  came  to  him 
the  instant  the  demand  for  it  appeared. 

Rising  to  his  feet  and  grasping  his  weapons,  he  strode 
to  the  middle  of  the  group  and  astounded  them  by  begin- 
ning his  address  in  their  native  tongue.  He  reminded 
them  that  that  was  proof  he  comprehended  every  word 
uttered  by  them.  He  spoke  as  if  grieved  by  their 
course,  for  he  insisted  he  had  never  wronged  any  one  of 
their  tribe,  but  on  the  contrary  had  been  their  friend. 
He  then  commanded  them  to  leave  the  camp  without 
delay  or  they  would  be  riddled  with  bullets. 

Carson's  blue  eyes  flashed  and  his  face  was  like  a  thun- 
der cloud.  It  was  the  Cheyennes  who  were  surprised 
and  they  could  but  obey  orders,  though  from  their  man- 
ner, it  was  clear  the  trouble  was  not  yet  ended.  They 
withdrew  and  went  into  council,  while  Carson  and  his 
friends  pushed  rapidly  forward. 

The  peril  in  which  this  little  command  was  placed 
could  not  be  overestimated.  There  were  not  twenty 
men  all  told  and  except  two  or  three,  were  Mexicans 
who  in  no  respect  were  the  superiors  if  indeed  they  were 
the  equals  of  the  Cheyennes.  Had  Carson  been  absent  a 
score  of  warriors  could  have  charged  into  camp  and  slain 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  219 

every  one.  Instead  of  a  score  there  were  several  hundred 
of  them :  if  they  chose  to  make  the  attack  he  knew 
there  was  no  escape. 

The  horses,  therefore,  were  lashed  to  do  their  utmost. 
The  train  pushed  forward  with  all  speed,  while  the  appre- 
hensive leader  continually  glanced  back  over  the  prairie, 
almost  certain  of  seeing  the  Cheyennes  galloping  toward 
them.  When  night  came,  there  was  little  sleep  in  camp. 
Nearly  every  one  stood  on  guard,  but  the  night  and  the 
following  day  passed  without  molestation. 

Convinced  beyond  question  that  the  attack  would  be 
made  unless  some  extraordinary  means  was  taken  to  avert 
it,  Carson  took  one  of  the  fleetest-footed  Mexican  boys 
outside  the  camp,  and,  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the 
ranche  of  himself  and  Maxwell,  nearly  three  hundred 
miles  away,  told  him  he  must  make  all  speed  thither,  and 
tell  the  soldiers  that  unless  they  hurried  to  his  helh  he 
and  all  pis  companions  were  doomed  to  certain  death  at 
the  hands  of  an  overwhelming  war  party  of  Cheyennes. 
Everything  depended  on  the  quickness  with  which  the 
Mexican  youth  brought  assistance.  The  latter  being 
promised  a  liberal  reward,  bounded  away  with  the  fleet- 
ness  of  a  deer,  and  quickly  vanished  in  the  gloom.  He 
went  on  foot  because  he  could  travel  faster  and  last  longer 
than  could  any  animal  in  camp  that  he  might  ride. 

Carson  went  back  to  his  friends  and  kept  watch  until 
morning.  As  soon  as  it  came  to  light,  the  animals  were 


220  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

hitched  to  the  wagons  and  urged  forward  again  to  the 
fullest  extent  of  their  ability. 

Some  hours  later,  several  Cheyenne  horsemen  \vere 
seen  riding  rapidly  toward  them.  When  a  hundred 
yards  distant,  Carson  compelled  them  to  halt.  Then  he 
allowed  them  to  come  closer  and  told  them  he  had  lost 
patience  with  their  annoyances,  and  the  night  before 
had  sent  an  express  to  Rayado  (where  his  ranche  was 
built),  asking  the  troops  to  see  that  the  persecution  was 
stopped.  Should  it  so  happen  that  the  soldiers  came  and 
found  the  party  massacred,  they  would  take  the  trail  of 
the  Cheyennes  and  punish  them  for  what  they  had  done. 

The  cunning  Indians,  before  accepting  the  statement  of 
the  leader,  said  they  would  examine  the  prairie  for  the 
trail  of  the  messenger,  Carson  assisted  them  in  the  search, 
and  it  did  not  take  long  to  find  the  moccasin  tracks. 
A  brief  scrutiny  also  satisfied  the  warriors  he  had  started 
so  many  hours  before,  that  it  was  useless  to  try  to  over- 
take him. 

The  result  was  the  attack  and  massacre  were  not  made, 
and,  though  the  assistance  which  was  asked  was  sent,  yet 
it  was  not  needed.  One  of  the  two  experienced 
mountaineers  with  Carson  on  that  eventful  journey, 
declared  afterward,  that  had  any  other  living  man  than 
he  been  at  the  head  of  the  party  not  one  would  have 
escaped.  The  achievement  certainly  ranks  among  the 
most  extraordinary  of  the  many  performed  by  a  most 
extraordinary  man. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  221 

It  would  be  thought  that  after  such  an  experience, 
Carson  would  be  content  to  settle  down  and  give  his 
entire  attention  to  his  ranche.  While  it  cannot  be  said 
that  he  neglected  his  duties  as  a  farmer,  yet  he  loved  the 
mountains  and  prairies  too  well  ever  to  abandon  them 
altogether. 

He  and  Maxwell,  his  old  friend,  determined  on  having 
one  more  old-fashioned  beaver  hunt,  such  as  they 
were  accustomed  to  a  score  of  years  before.  They  did 
not  mean  it  should  be  child's  play  and  they  admitted  no 
amateur  hunters  and  trappers  :  all  were  veterans  of  years' 
standing,  and,  when  the  party  was  fully  made  up,  they 
numbered  about  a  score. 

The  expedition  was  a  memorable  one.  They  fixed 
upon  one  of  the  longest  and  most  dangerous  routes  which 
included  many  Rocky  Mountain  streams  and  involved 
every  possible  kind  of  danger. 

In  one  respect,  the  party  were  pleasantly  disappointed. 
Years  before  the  beavers  had  been  so  effectively  cleaned 
out  that  they  expected  to  find  very  few  if  any;  but 
because  the  business  had  been  so  little  followed  for  so 
long  a  time,  the  animals  had  increased  very  fast  and 
therefore  the  trappers  met  with  great  success. 

They  began  operation  on  the  South  Fork  of  the 
Platte  and  finally  ended  on  the  Arkansas.  They  were 
gone  many  weeks  and  when  they  returned  to  their 
homes,  nearly  if  not  all  felt  that  they  had  engaged  or 
their  last  trapping  expedition. 


222  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Carson  had  not  wrought  very  long  on  his  ranche,  when 
he  learned  of  the  scarcity  and  high  prices  of  sheep  in 
California.  He  at  once  set  about  collecting  several 
thousand,  hired  a  number  of  men  and  drove  the  herd  to 
Fort  Laramie :  thence  he  made  his  way  by  the  old 
emigrant  trail  to  California  where  he  disposed  of  the  sheep 
at  prices  which  brought  him  a  profit  of  several  thousand 
dollars. 

While  in  San  Francisco,  he  visited  a  prominent 
restaurant  where  he  ordered  a  good  substantial  dinner  for 
six  persons.  When  it  was  ready  he  surveyed  it  for  a 
moment  with  satisfaction,  and,  seating  himself  at  the 
table,  disposed  of  it  all.  His  journey  across  the  plains 
had  given  him  a  somewhat  vigorous  appetite. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

In  San  Francisco — The  Return  Homeward — The  Mormon  Dele* 
gate  Gives  Carson  Some  Interesting  Information — Carson's 
First  Stirring  Duties  as  Indian  Agent — The  Affection  of  the  Red 
Men  for  Father  Kit. 

KIT  CARSON'S  old  friend,  Maxwell,  who  had  been  his 
companion  in  so  many  stirring  adventures,  joined  him  in 
San  Francisco,  whose  marvellous  growth  even  at  that 
remote  day  was  a  continual  surprise  and  delight.  As  the 
two  veteran  mountaineers  made  their  way  through  the 
streets,  where  but  a  few  years  before  all  was  a  wild, 
untrodden  wilderness,  they  paused  and  indulged  in  many 
wondering  exclamations  as  though  they  were  a  couple 
of  countrymen  visiting  the  metropolis  for  the  first  time  in 
their  lives. 

The  couple  concluded  to  make  their  way  home  by  the 
southern  route,  passing  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Gila ; 
but  the  distance  could  be  shortened  so  much  by  taking 
the  steamer  to  Los  Angeles  that  Maxwell  decided  to 
adopt  that  course.  When  he  asked  Carson  to  join  him 
the  mountaineer  shook  his  head. 

"I  got  enough  of  that  in  1846,"  he  said,  alluding  to 
his  brief  voyage,  when  serving  under  Fremont  in  Cali- 
fornia, at  the  beginning  of  the  Mexican  war ;  "  I  never 

was  so  sick  in  all  my  life." 

223 


224  LIFE  OF  KIT  C ARSON. 

«'  You  aint  likely  to  be  sick  again,"  plead  Maxwell ; 
*'  and,  if  you  are,  it  don't  last  long.  You'll  save  two  or 
three  weeks  in  time  and  enjoy  yourself  much  more." 

But  it  was  no  use :  Carson  said  he  never  would  venture 
upon  salt  water  again,  and  he  would  rather  ride  a  thousand 
miles  on  the  back  of  a  mule  than  to  sail  a  hundred  in  a 
ship.  Accordingly,  the  party  separated  for  the  time  and 
Maxwell  took  steamer  to  Los  Angeles,  where  he  arrived 
fully  two  weeks  in  advance  of  Carson,  who  rode  into  the 
quaint  old  town,  on  the  back  of  a  somewhat  antiquated 
mule. 

They  were  soon  ready  for  their  long  ride,  when  they 
struck  a  leisurely  pace  and  all  went  well  until  they  reached 
the  Gila.  There  they  entered  a  region  which  had  been 
visited  by  one  of  those  droughts  which  continue  some- 
times for  many  months.  The  grass  was  so  dry  and 
parched  that  it  contained  scarcely  any  nourishment,  and 
the  friendly  Pimos  told  them  if  they  pushed  on  their  ani- 
mals were  sure  to  die  of  starvation.  It  was  impossible 
to  doubt  these  statements  and  Carson  therefore  proposed 
a  new  route,  which  though  very  rough  and  difficult  in 
some  places,  would  furnish  all  the  forage  that  was 
required. 

The  course  led  them  along  the  Gila  to  the  mouth  of 
the  San  Pedro,  and  finally  with  little  difficulty  they 
reached  the  copper  mines  of  New  Mexico.  Shortly  after 
Carson  encountered  the  Mormon  delegate  to  Congress. 
During  the  exchange  of  courtesies,  the  gentleman  con- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  22$ 

eyed  the  interesting  information  that  he — Carson — had 
been  made  Indian  Agent  for  New  Mexico. 

The  news  was  a  surprise  and  a  great  pleasure  to  the 
mountaineer.  He  had  no  thought  of  any  such  honor 
and  with  all  his  modesty  could  not  but  feel  that  he  was 
eminently  fitted  for  the  performance  of  its  duties.  No 
one  had  travelled  so  extensively  through  the  west,  and  no 
one  could  understand  the  nature  of  native  Americans 
better  than  he.  A  hundred  tribes  knew  of  "  Father  Kit," 
as  he  soon  came  to  be  called,  and  they  referred  to  him  as 
a  man  who  never  spoke  with  a  "  double  tongue,"  and  who 
was  just  toward  them  at  all  times.  He  had  ventured 
among  the  hostiles,  more  than  once  where  the  bravest 
white  man  dared  not  follow  him,  and  had  spent  days 
and  nights  in  their  lodges  without  being  offered  the 
slightest  indignity.  Kit  Carson  was  brave,  truthful,  kind 
and  honest. 

Aside  from  the  gratification  which  one  naturally  feels, 
when  receiving  an  appointment  that  is  pleasant  in  every 
respect,  and  which  he  holds  thoroughly  <c  in  hand,"  as 
may  be  said,  the  honest  mountaineer  was  especially 
delighted  over  the  thought  that  his  government  conferred 
it  without  any  solicitation  on  his  part. 

But  the  man  who  accepts  the  position  of  Indian  Agent 
and  conscientiously  attends  to  its  duties  has  no  sinecure 
on  his  hands.  Many  of  them  use  it  as  such  while  others 
do  still  worse,  thereby  sowing  the  seeds  which  speedily 
develop  into  Indian  outrages,  massacres  and  wars. 

55 


226  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

When  Carson  reached  Taos,  he  had  his  official  bond 
made  out,  and  sent  it  with  his  thanks  and  acceptance  of 
his  appointment  to  the  proper  authorities  in  Wash- 
ington. 

The  Indian  Agent  for  New  Mexico  had  scarcely 
entered  upon  his  new  duties,  when  trouble  came.  A 
branch  of  the  Apaches  became  restless  and  committed  a 
number  of  outrages  on  citizens.  Stern  measures  only 
would  answer  and  a  force  of  dragoons  were  sent  against 
them.  They  dealt  them  a  severe  blow,  killing  one  of 
their  most  famous  chiefs,  besides  a  considerable  number 
of  warriors. 

Instead  of  quieting  the  tribe,  it  rather  intensified  their 
anger,  though  they  remained  quiescent  for  a  time  through 
fear.  Not  long  after,  Carson  was  notified  that  a  large 
party  of  the  tribe  were  encamped  in  the  mountains,  less 
than  twenty  miles  from  Taos.  He  decided  at  once  to 
supplement  the  work  of  the  sword  with  the  gentle  argu- 
ments of  peace. 

This  proceeding  on  the  part  of  the  Indian  Agent  is 
one  deserving  of  special  notice,  for  it  shows  no  less  the 
bravery  of  Carson  than  it  does  the  philanthropic  spirit 
which  actuated  him  at  all  times  in  his  dealings  with  the 
red  men.  Alas,  that  so  few  of  our  officials  to-day  deem 
his  example  not  worth  their  imitation. 

The  venture  was  so  dangerous  that  Carson  went  alone 
unwilling  that  any  one  else  should  run  the  risk.  When 
he  arrived  at  their  encampment,  he  made  his  way  with- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOA\ 

out  delay  to  the  presence  of  the  leaders,  whom  he  saluted 
in  the  usual  elaborate  fashion,  and  then  proceeded  to 
state  the  important  business  that  took  him  thither. 

Nearly  every  warrior  in  camp  recognized  the  short, 
thick-set  figure  and  the  broad,  pleasant  face  when  they 
presented  themselves.  They  knew  he  was  one  of  the 
most  terrible  warriors  that  ever  charged  through  a  camp 
of  red  men.  He  had  met  them  many  a  time  in  fierce  war- 
fare, but  he  always  fought  warriors  and  not  pappooses 
and  squaws.  He  was  the  bravest  of  the  brave  and  there- 
fore they  respected  him. 

But  he  was  a  truthful  and  just  man.  He  had  never 
lied  to  them,  as  most  of  the  white  men  did,  and  he  had 
shown  his  confidence  in  them  by  walking  alone  and  unat- 
tended into  the  very  heart  of  their  encampment.  They 
were  eager  to  rend  to  shreds  every  pale  face  upon  whom 
they  could  lay  hands,  but  "  Father  Kit  "  was  safe  within 
their  lodges  and  wigwams. 

Carson  made  an  admirable  speech.  He  at  first  caused 
every  serpent-like  eye  to  sparkle,  by  his  delicate  flattery. 
Then  he  tried  hard  to  convince  them  that  their  hostility  to 
the  whites  could  result  only  in  injury  to  themselves,  since 
the  Great  Father  at  Washington  had  hundreds  and  thou- 
sands of  warriors  whom  he  would  send  to  replace  such  as 
might  lose  their  lives.  Then,  when  he  made  known  that 
the  same  Great  Father  had  appointed  him  to  see  that 
justice  was  done  them,  they  grinned  with  delight  and 


228  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

gathering   around,   overwhelmed   him   with    congratula. 
tions. 

The  Agent  insisted  that  they  should  prove  their  sin- 
cerity by  pledging  to  follow  the  line  of  conduct  he  had 
lain  down,  and  they  did  so  with  such  readiness  that  a 
superficial  observer  would  have  declared  the  mission  a 
complete  success. 

But  Kit  Carson  thought  otherwise.  He  knew  the 
inherent  treachery  of  the  aboriginal  nature,  and  his  esti- 
mate of  Apache  loyalty  was  the  true  one.  The  most 
that  he  was  warranted  in  feeling  was  the  hope  that  those 
furious  warriors  would  be  less  aggressive  than  had  been 
their  custom.  Though  they  had  expressed  a  willingness 
to  make  any  agreement  which  he  might  propose,  yet  it 
was  their  very  willingness  to  do  so  which  caused  his  dis- 
trust. Had  they  been  more  argumentative  and  more 
tenacious  of  their  rights,  their  sincerity  might  have  been 
credited. 

The  Agent  could  have  secured  their  consent  almost  to 
any  agreement,  but  the  sagacious  official  asked  as  little 
as  he  could. 

"  And  I  don't  believe  they  mean  to  keep  even  that 
agreement, "  he  muttered,  as  he  bade  the  effusive 
sachems  and  warriors  good-bye  and  made  his  way  back 
to  Taos. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Trouble  With  the  Apaches— Defeat  of  the  Soldiers— Colonel  Cook's 
Expedition  Against  Them — It  Meets  With  Only  Partial  Success 
— Major  Brooks'  Attempt  to  Punish  the  Apaches — A  Third 
Expedition. 

JUST  as  Carson  suspected,  the  Apaches  were  insincere 
in  their  professions  of  good  will  toward  the  settlers.  He 
had  scarcely  reached  home,  when  they  renewed  their  out- 
rages. The  sinewy  horsemen,  as  daring  as  the  Crusaders 
who  invaded  the  Holy  Land,  seemed  to  be  everywhere. 
We  have  already  referred  to  those  extraordinary  warriors, 
who,  for  many  years  have  caused  our  Government  more 
trouble  in  the  south-west  than  all  the  other  tribes  com- 
bined, and  it  is  not  necessary,  therefore,  to  say  that  when 
any  branch  of  the  Apaches  went  on  the  war  path  the  most 
frightful  scenes  were  sure  to  follow. 

Carson  knew  when  to  be  gentle  and  when  to  be  stern. 
If  the  former  measures  failed,  he  did  not  hesitate  to  use 
the  latter.  Coercive  means  were  taken,  but,  in  the  first 
encounter  between  the  red  men  and  the  United  States 
troops,  the  latter  were  decisively  defeated. 

As  a  consequence,  the  Apaches  became  more  trouble- 
some than  ever.  Colonel  Cook  of  the  Second  Regiment 
of  United  States  Dragoons,  was  sent  against  them.  He 
selected  Kit  Carson  for  his  guide.  The  Agent's  wish,  it 

229 


23O  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

may  be  said,  was  to  learn  whether  any  other  tribe  was 
concerned  in  the  outrages,  and  in  no  way  could  he  do  it 
as  well  as  by  accompanying  the  expedition,  which  was 
fully  organized  by  the  selection  of  a  number  of  Pueblo 
Indians  to  act  as  scouts  and  spies.  These  were  placed 
under  the  immediate  command  of  the  well  known  James 
H.  Quinn,  who  died  some  time  later. 

The  force  proceeded  northward  from  Taos  to  the  stream 
known  as  the  Arroya  Hondo.  This  was  followed  to  the 
Rio  del  Norte,  which  being  very  high,  was  crossed  with 
much  difficulty.  As  an  illustration  of  the  rugged  work 
which  such  expeditions  were  called  upon  to  undergo,  Dr. 
Peters  says  that  when  they  struggled  to  the  other  shore, 
they  found  themselves  confronted  by  a  mass  of  solid  and 
almost  perpendicular  rocks,  fully  six  hundred  feet  high. 
This  was  ascended,  after  the  most  exhausting  labor,  by 
means  of  a  zigzag  trail,  and  the  journey  was  pushed  over 
a  rough  and  diversified  country.  Grass  and  water  could 
not  be  found  until  they  reached  a  small  Mexican  town 
where  they  were  enabled  to  buy  what  was  so  sadly  needed. 
Men  and  animals  were  so  worn  out  that  they  rested  for 
an  entire  day. 

The  next  morning  the  line  of  march  was  taken  up,  and 
they  had  not  gone  far  when  Carson  discovered  a  trail. 
This  was  followed  with  renewed  vigor  and  a  couple  of  days 
later  the  Indians  were  overtaken.  They  did  not  attempt 
any  stand  against  such  a  strong  force,  but  took  to  flight  at 
once.  The  Apaches  used  their  utmost  endeavors  to  get 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

away  and  they  were  helped  by  the  roughness  cf  the 
country.  They  were  pressed  so  hard,  however,  that  they 
lost  most  of  their  horses  and  plunder  besides  a  number  of 
warriors. 

Two  Americans  were  wounded  one  of  whom  shortly 
died;  but  the  soldiers  having  "located"  the  Indians,  as 
may  be  said,  did  not  give  over  their  efforts  to  punish 
them.  Pursuit  was  resumed  at  earliest  daylight  and  men 
and  animals  did  everything  possible.  Over  mountains, 
through  ravines,  around  rocks,  up  and  down  declivities, 
the  chase  continued,  until  the  cunning  Apaches  resorted 
to  their  old  tricks :  they  dissolved,  as  may  be  said,  into 
their  «  original  elements" — that  is,  they  began  separating 
until  there  were  almost  as  many  different  trails  as  there 
were  warriors.  Then  in  their  flight,  they  selected  the 
worst  possible  ground.  Being  familiar  with  the  country 
and,  possessing  far  more  endurance  than  the  ordinary 
Indian,  it  soon  became  clear  that  the  marauders  were 
beyond  reach. 

Accordingly  Colonel  Cook  ordered  the  pursuit  discon- 
tinued and  they  headed  toward  the  nearest  Mexican  vil- 
lage, where  forage  and  rest  could  be  secured  for  the 
animals.  When  the  place  was  reached,  Colonel  Cook 
learned  of  a  serious  mistake  made  by  the  party  who  were 
transporting  the  soldier  wounded  several  days  before. 
They  discovered  an  Indian  whom,  after  some  difficulty, 
they  captured.  His  horse  and  arms  were  taken  from  him 
under  the  supposition  that  he  was  one  of  the  laostile 


232  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Apaches.  He  was  not  treated  very  gently  and  watching 
his  opportunity,  he  made  his  escape.  It  was  afterwards 
learned  that  the  warrior  was  a  Utah,  with  whom  the  white 
men  were  at  peace. 

The  Utahs  were  of  a  war-like  nature  and  Colonel 
Cook  was  apprehensive  they  would  use  the  occurrence  as 
a  pretext  for  joining  the  Apaches  in  their  attack  upon  the 
settlers.  He  therefore  sent  Carson  to  the  headquarters 
of  his  agency  to  do  what  he  could  to  explain  the  matter 
and  make  all  the  reparation  in  his  power. 

As  soon  as  he  arrived  at  Taos,  Carson  sent  a  messenger 
with  a  request  that  the  Utah  chiefs  would  come  and  have 
a  talk  with  him.  They  were  always  glad  to  meet  Father 
Kit,  face  to  face.  The  agent  told  how  the  mistake  was 
made,  expressed  the  regret  of  himself  and  Colonel  Cook 
and  ended  by  restoring  the  property  and  by  distributing 
a  few  presents  among  the  chiefs.  The  business  was 
managed  with  such  tact  that  the  sachems  expressed 
themselves  perfectly  satisfied  and  their  affection  and 
admiration  for  Father  Kit  became  greater  than  before. 

Colonel  Cook  was  unwilling  to  return  without  striking 
a  more  effective  blow  against  the  Apaches.  Pausing 
only  long  enough,  therefore,  to  rest  and  recruit  his  men 
and  horses,  he  resumed  the  hunt.  He  had  not  gone  far, 
when  he  struck  another  trail  which  was  followed  with 
great  vigor  ;  but  before  anything  of  the  Indians  could  be 
discovered,  it  began  snowing.  In  a  few  minutes,  the 
flakes  were  eddying  all  around  them,  the  wind  blowing 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSOX.  233 

so  furiously  that  the  men  could  hardly  see  each  other,  as 
they  bent  their  heads  and  rode  slowly  against  it.  This 
rendered  pursuit  out  of  the  question,  because  the  trail 
was  entirely  hidden.  Much  against  his  will  Colonel  Cook 
was  forced  to  give  up  the  pursuit. 

He  made  his  way  to  a  small  town  lying  on  his  route, 
where  he  met  Major  Brooks,  who  was  marching  to  his 
help  with  reinforcements.  The  latter  officer  instead  of 
returning  with  Colonel  Cook,  decided  to  take  up  the  hunt 
himself  for  the  hostiles. 

With  little  delay,  a  fresh  trail  was  found  and  an 
energetic  pursuit  began.  It  was  plain  the  Indians  were 
making  for  the  Utah  country,  and  they  were  pursued 
without  difficulty ;  but,  when  that  section  was  reached, 
the  soldiers  came  upon  so  many  trails,  which  crossed  and 
re-crossed  so  many  times  that  all  individuality  was  lost. 
The  most  skilful  scouts  in  the  company  were  unable  to 
identify  or  follow  any  one  with  certainty. 

The  situation  was  exasperating,  but  there  was  no  help 
for  it  and  the  command  was  compelled  to  turn  about  and 
make  their  way  home,  having  been  in  the  field  more  than 
two  weeks  without  accomplishing  anything  at  all. 

But  it  was  known  that  the  Apaches  would  speedly 
reorganize  and  the  soldiers  had  but  to  wait  a  short  while, 
when  an  opportuuity  would  be  presented  for  striking  an 
effective  blow.  When  a  sufficient  period  had  elapsed, 
another  expedition  was  sent  out  under  the  command  of 


234  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

Major  Carleton,  of  the  First  Regiment  of  United  States 
Dragoons.  He  engaged  Kit  Carson  to  act  as  his  guide. 

The  force  marched  northward  about  a  hundred  miles 
to  Fort  Massachusetts,  where  all  the  arrangements  were 
completed.  The  party  was  divided,  the  spies  under 
Captain  Quinn  being  sent  to  examine  the  country  on  the 
west  side  of  the  White  Mountains,  while  the  Major 
decided  to  inspect  the  territory  to  the  eastward  of  the 
range. 

Captain  Quinn  with  his  skilful  trailers  moved  up  the 
San  Luis  Valley  until  he  reached  the  famous  Mosco  Pass, 
which  was  often  used  by  the  Apaches  when  hard  pressed. 
They  were  perfectly  familiar  with  all  its  diverse  and 
peculiar  windings,  and,  when  they  once  dashed  in 
among  the  rocks,  they  felt  safe  against  any  and  all 
pursuers. 

Making  their  way  through  this  pass,  Captain  Quinn 
and  his  scouts  reached  Wet  Mountain  Valley,  where  he 
had  promised  to  meet  and  report  to  his  superior  officer. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
Discovery  of  the  Trail — Prairie  Detectives. 

MEANWHILE,  Kit  Carson,  who  was  with  Major  Carleton, 
had  discovered  a  trail  made  by  three  of  the  enemy.  Care- 
fully following  it  up,  it  was  found  to  join  the  principal 
path,  a  short  distance  away.  When  Quinn  arrived  he 
had  also  some  discoveries  to  report,  and  the  scouts  held  a 
consultation  over  the  question.  It  was  agreed  by  all  that 
they  were  on  the  track  of  the  enemy  they  were  seeking. 

The  general  reader  is  not  apt  to  appreciate  the  skill, 
patience  and  intelligence  shown  by  the  scouts  and 
hunters  in  tracing  the  flight  of  an  enemy  through  a  wild  and 
desolate  country.  As  an  evidence  of  the  wonderful  attain- 
ments of  border  men  in  woodcraft,  the  following  letter 
may  be  given,  written  by  the  surgeon  at  Fort  Randall  in 
Dacotah  in  1869: 

44  The  most  extraordinary  skill  that  is  exhibited  in  this 
part  of  the  country,  either  by  the  white  man,  or  red 
native,  is  in  the  practice  of  trailing.  Here  it  may  be 
accounted  an  art  as  much  as  music,  painting  or  sculpture 
is  in  the  East.  The  Indian  or  trapper  that  is  a  shrewd 
trailer,  is  a  man  of  close  observation,  quick  perception, 
and  prompt  action.  As  he  goes  along,  nothing  escapes 
his  observation,  and  what  he  sees  and  hears  he  accounts 

235 


236  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

for  immediately.  Often  not  another  step  is  taken  until  a 
mystery,  that  may  present  itself  in  this  line  is  fairly  solved. 
The  Indian  trailer  will  stand  still  for  hours  in  succession, 
to  account  for  certain  traces  or  effects  in  tracks,  and 
sometimes  gives  to  the  matter  unremitting  attention  for 
days  and  weeks. 

u  The  trailer  is  not  a  graceful  man.  He  carries  his  head 
much  inclined,  his  eye  is  quick  and  restless,  always  on 
the  watch,  and  he  is  practising  his  art  unconsciously, 
hardly  ever  crossing  the  track  of  man  or  animal  without 
seeing  it.  When  he  enters  a  house,  he  brings  the  habits 
he  contracted  in  the  practice  of  his  art  with  him.  I  know 
a  trailer  as  soon  he  enters  my  room.  He  comes  in 
through  the  door  softly,  and  with  an  air  of  exceeding 
caution.  Before  he  is  fairly  in,  or  at  least  has  sat  down, 
he  has  taken  note  of  every  article  and  person,  though 
there  may  be  a  dozen  vacant  chairs  in  the  room.  He  is 
not  used  to  chairs,  and,  like  the  Indian,  prefers  a  more 
humble  seat.  When  I  was  employed  by  General  Harney 
last  summer  to  take  charge  temporarily  of  the  Indians 
that  were  gathered  here  to  form  a  new  reservation,  one 
day  a  guide  and  trailer  came  into  the  General's  head- 
quarters. I  told  him  to  be  seated.  He  sat  down  on  the 
floor,  bracing  his  back  against  the  wall.  The  General  saw 
this,  and  in  vexation  cried  out,  "  My  God,  why  don't  you 
take  a  chair  when  there  are  plenty  here  not  occupied  ?  '' 
The  man  arose  and  seated  himself  in  a  chair,  but  in  so 
awkward  and  uncomfortable  a  manner  that  he  looked  .as 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  237 

if  he  might  slip  from  it  at  any  moment.  But  when  this 
uncouth  person  came  to  transact  his  business  with  the 
General,  he  turned  out  to  be  a  man  of  no  ordinary  abili- 
ties. His  description  of  a  route  he  took  as  guide  and 
trailer  for  the  Ogallalas  in  bringing  them  from  the  Platte 
to  this  place  was  minute,  and  to  me  exceedingly  interest- 
ing. Every  war  party  that  for  the  season  had  crossed  his 
trail,  he  described  with  minuteness  as  to  their  number,  the 
kinds  of  arms  they  had,  and  stated  the  tribes  they 
belonged  to.  In  these  strange  revelations  that  he  made 
there  was  neither  imposition  nor  supposition,  for  he  gave 
satisfactory  reasons  for  every  assertion  he  made. 

"I  have  rode  several  hundred  miles  with  an  experienced 
guide  and  trailer,  Hack,  whom  I  interrogated  upon 
many  points  in  the  practice  of  this  art.  Nearly  all  tracks 
I  saw,  either  old  or  new,  as  a  novice  in  the  art,  I 
questioned  him  about.  In  going  to  the  Niobrara  River 
crossed  the  track  of  an  Indian  pony.  My  guide  followed 
the  track  a  few  miles  and  then  said,  '  It  is  a  stray,  black 
horse,  with  a  long,  bushy  tail,  nearly  starved  to  death, 
has  a  split  hoof  of  the  left  fore  foot,  and  goes  very  lame, 
and  he  passed  here  early  this  morning.'  Astonished  and 
incredulous,  I  asked  him  the  reasons  for  knowing  these 
particulars  by  the  tracks  of  the  animal,  when  he  replied : 
« It  was  a  stray  horse,  because  it  did  not  go  in  a  direct 
line  ;  his  tail  was  long,  for  he  dragged  it  over  the  snow  ; 
in  brushing  against  a  bush  he  left  some  of  his  hair  which 
shows  its  color.  He  was  very  hungry,  for,  in  going  along. 


238  LIFE   OF  KIT  CARSON. 

he  has  nipped  at  those  high,  dry  weeds,  which  horses 
seldom  eat.  The  fissure  of  the  left  fore  foot  left  also  its 
track,  and  the  depth  of  the  indentation  shows  the  degree 
of  his  lameness ;  and  his  tracks  show  he  was  here  this 
morning,  when  the  snow  was  hard  with  frost.' 

"At  another  place  we  came  across  an  Indian  track,  and 
he  said,  <  It  is  an  old  Yankton,  who  came  across  the 
Missouri  last  evening  to  look  at  his  traps.  In  coming 
over  he  carried  in  his  right  hand  a  trap,  and  in  his  left  a 
lasso  to  catch  a  pony  which  he  had  lost.  He  returned 
without  finding  the  horse,  but  had  caught  in  the  trap  he 
had  out  a  prairie  wolf,  which  he  carried  home  on  his 
back  and  a  bundle  of  kini-kinic  wood  in  his  right  hand.' 
Then,  he  gave  his  reasons :  <  I  know  he  is  old,  by  the 
impression  his  gait  has  made  and  a  Yankton  by  that  of 
his  moccasin.  He  is  from  the  other  side  of  the  river,  as 
there  are  no  Yanktons  on  this  side.  The  trap  he  carried 
struck  the  snow  now  and  then,  and  in  same  manner  as 
when  he  came,  shows  that  he  did  not  find  his  pony.  A 
drop  of  blood  in  the  centre  of  his  tracks  shows  that  he 
carried  the  wolf  on  his  back,  and  the  bundle  of  kini-kinic 
wood  he  used  for  a  staff  for  support,  and  catching  a  wolf, 
shows  that  he  had  traps  out.'  But  I  asked,  "how  do 
you  know  it  is  wolf;  why  not  a  fox,  or  a  coyotte,  or  even 
a  deer  ?  '  Said  he  :  'If  it  had  been  a  fox,  or  coyotte  or 
any  other  small  game  he  would  have  slipped  the  head  of 
the  animal  in  his  waist-belt,  and  so  carried  it  by  his  side, 
and  not  on  his  shoulders.  Deer  are  not  caught  by  traps 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  2$$ 

but  if  it  had  been  a  deer,  he  would  not  have  crossed  this 
high  hill,  but  would  have  gone  back  by  way  of  the  ravine, 
and  the  load  would  have  made  his  steps  still  more  tot- 
tering.' 

"Another  Indian  track  which  we  saw  twenty  miles  west 
of  this  he  put  this  serious  construction  upon  :  «  He  is  an 
upper  Indian — a  prowling  horse  thief — carried  a  double- 
shot  gun,  and  is  a  rascal  that  killed  some  white  man  lately, 
and  passed  here  one  week  ago ;  for,'  said  he,  <  a  lone 
Indian  in  these  parts  is  on  mischief,  and  generally  on  the 
lookout  for  horses.  He  had  on  the  shoes  of  a  white  man 
whom  he  had  in  all  probability  killed,  but  his  steps  are 
those  of  an  Indian.  Going  through  the  ravine,  the  end 
of  his  gun  hit  into  the  deep  snow.  A  week  ago  we  had 
a  very  warm  day,  and  the  snow  being  soft,  he  made  these 
deep  tracks ;  ever  since  it  has  been  intensely  cold 
weather,  which  makes  very  shallow  tracks.'  I  suggested 
that  perhaps  he  bought  those  shoes.  « Indians  don't 
buy  shoes,  and  if  they  did  they  would  not  buy  them  as 
large  as  these  were,  for  Indians  have  very  small  feet.' 

"The  most  noted  trailer  of  this  country  was  Paul  Dalo- 
ria,  a  half-breed,  who  died  under  my  hands,  of  Indian  con- 
sumption, last  summer.  I  have  spoken  of  him  in  a 
former  letter.  At  one  time  I  rode  with  him,  and  trailing 
was  naturally  the  subject  of  our  conversation.  I  begged 
to  trail  with  him  an  old  track  over  the  prairie,  in  order 
to  learn  its  history.  I  had  hardly  made  the  proposition, 
when  he  drew  up  his  horse,  which  was  at  a  ravine,  and 


240  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

said,  * Well,  here  is  an  old  elk  track.  Let  us  get  off  our 
horses  and  follow  it.  We  followed  it  but  a  few  rods, 
when  he  said,  it  was  exactly  a  month  old,  and  made  at 
2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.'  This  he  knew,  as  then  we 
had  our  last  rain,  and  at  the  hour  named  the  ground  was 
softer  than  at  any  other  time.  The  track  before  us  was 
then  made.  He  broke  up  here  and  there  clusters  of 
grass  that  lay  in  the  path  of  the  track,  and  showed  me 
the  dry  ends  of  some,  the  stumps  of  others,  and  by 
numerous  other  similar  items  accounted  for  many  cir- 
cumstances that  astonished  me.  We  followed  the  trail 
over  a  mile.  Now  and  then  we  saw  that  a  wolf,  a  fox, 
and  other  animals  had  practised  their  trailing  instincts  on 
the  elk's  tracks.  Here  and  there,  he  would  show  me 
where  a  snake,  a  rat,  and  a  prairie  dog  had  crossed  the 
track.  Nothing  had  followed  or  crossed  the  track  that 
the  quick  eye  of  Daloria  did  not  detect.  He  gave  an 
account  of  the  habits  of  all  the  animals  that  had  left  their 
footprints  on  the  track,  also  of  the  state  of  the  weather 
since  the  elk  passed,  and  the  effect  of  sunshine,  winds, 
aridity,  sand  storms,  and  other  influences  that  had  a  bear- 
ing on  these  tracks." 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

The  Pursuit  and  Attack— "Two  O'clock." 

WHEN  Kit  Carson  and  the  other  scouts  found  the  main 
trail,  they  eagerly  took  up  the  pursuit.  They  had  not 
gone  far  when  all  doubt  was  removed :  they  were  upon  the 
track  of  a  large  hostile  body  of  warriors  and  were  gaining 
steadily;  but  so  rapid  was  the  flight  of  the  marauders 
that  it  was  not  until  the  sixth  day  that  the  first  glimpse 
of  the  Indians  was  obtained.  They  were  encamped  on  a 
mountain  peak,  devoid  of  trees,  and  seemingly  beyond 
the  reach  of  danger ;  but  such  was  the  energy  of  the 
attack  that  they  reached  camp  before  the  Indians  could 
collect  their  animals  and  make  off.  The  fight  was  a  hot 
one  for  a  few  minutes  during  which  quite  a  number  of 
warriors  were  killed  and  wounded. 

When  night  came  a  squad  of  men  hid  themselves  near 
the  camp,  from  which  the  Indians  had  fled,  in  the  expec- 
tation that  some  of  them  would  steal  back  during  the 
darkness  to  learn  what  had  been  done.  The  dismal  hours 
passed  until  near  midnight,  when  one  of  the  soldiers  made 
the  call  which  the  Apaches  use  to  hail  each  other.  The 
sound  had  hardly  died  out,  when  two  squaws  and  two 
warriors  appeared  and  began  groping  silently  around  in 
16  241 


242  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  gloom.  The  soldiers  were  cruel  enough  to  fire  upon 
the  party,  but  in  the  darkness  only  one  was  killed. 

Dr.  Peters  states  that  on  the  morning  of  the  day  when 
the  Apache  encampment  was  discovered  Kit  Carson, 
after  diligently  studying  the  trail,  rode  up  to  Major  Carle- 
ton  and  told  him  that  if  no  accident  intervened,  the 
Indians  would  be  overtaken  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
The  officer  smiled  and  said  if  the  Agent  proved  a  genu- 
ine prophet,  he  would  present  him  with  the  finest  hat 
that  could  be  bought  in  the  United  States. 

The  pursuit  continued  for  hours,  and,  when  the  watches 
in  the  company  showed  that  it  was  two  o'clock,  Carson 
triumphantly  pointed  to  the  mountain  peak,  far  in  advance 
where  the  Indian  encampment  was  in  plain  sight.  He 
had  hit  the  truth  with  mathematical  exactness. 

Major  Carleton  kept  his  promise.  To  procure  such  a 
hat  as  he  felt  he  had  earned,  required  several  months ; 
but  one  day  the  Indian  Agent  at  Taos  received  a  superb 
piece  of  head  gear  within  which  was  the  following  inscrip- 
tion: 

AT  2  O'CLOCK. 
KIT  CARSON, 

FROM 

MAJOR  CARLETON. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  243 

Dr.  Peters  adds  that  a  gentleman  who  was  a  member  of 
the  expedition  subjected  Carson  some  years  later  to  a 
similar  test,  and  he  came  within  five  minutes  of  naming 
the  precise  time  when  a  band  of  fugitives  was  overtaken. 

Having  done  all  that  was  possible,  Major  Carleton 
returned  with  his  command  to  Taos  and  Carson  resumed 
his  duties  as  Indian  Agent.  Some  months  later,  another 
expedition  was  organized  against  the  Apaches  but  it 
accomplished  nothing.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  summer 
Carson  started  on  a  visit  to  the  Utahs.  They  were  under 
his  especial  charge  and  he  held  interviews  with  them  sev- 
eral times  a  year,  they  generally  visiting  him  at  his 
ranche,  which  they  were  glad  to  do,  as  they  were  sure 
of  being  very  hospitably  treated. 

This  journey  required  a  horseback  ride  of  two  or  three 
hundred  miles,  a  great  portion  of  which  was  through  the 
Apache  country.  These  Indians  were  in  such  a  resentfal 
mood  towards  the  whites  that  they  would  have  been  only 
too  glad  to  wrench  the  scalp  of  Father  Kit  from  his 
crown ;  but  he  knew  better  than  to  run  into  any  of  their 
traps.  He  was  continually  on  the  lookout,  and  more 
than  once  detected  their  wandering  bands  in  time  to  give 
them  the  slip.  He  was  equally  vigilant  and  consequently 
equally  fortunate  on  his  return. 

Carson  found  when  he  met  the  Indians  in  council  that 
they  had  good  cause  for  discontent.  One  of  their  leading 
warriors  had  been  waylaid  and  murdered  by  a  small  party 
of  Mexicans.  The  officials  who  were  with  Carson  prom- 


244  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

ised  that  the  murderers  should  be  given  up.  It  was  the 
intention  of  all  that  justice  should  be  done,  but,  as  was 
too  often  the  case,  it  miscarried  altogether.  Only  one  of 
the  murderers  was  caught  and  he  managed  to  escape  and 
was  never  apprehended  again. 

To  make  matters  worse,  some  of  the  blankets  which  the 
Superintendent  had  presented  the  Indians  a  short  while 
before,  proved  to  be  infected  with  small  pox  and  the 
dreadful  disease  carried  off  many  of  the  leading  warriors 
of  the  tribe.  More  than  one  Apache  was  resolute  in 
declaring  the  proceeding  premeditated  on  the  part  of  the 
whites.  The  result  was  the  breaking  out  of  a  most 
formidable  Indian  war.  The  Muache  band  of  Utahs, 
under  their  most  distinguished  chieftain,  joined  the 
Apaches  in  waylaying  and  murdering  travellers,  attacking 
settlements  and  making  off  with  the  prisoners,  besides 
capturing  hundreds  and  thousands  of  cattle,  sheep, 
mules  and  horses.  For  a  time  they  overran  a  large  portion 
of  the  territory  of  New  Mexico.  Matters  at  last  reached 
such  a  pass,  that  unless  the  savages  were  checked,  they 
would  annihilate  all  the  whites. 

The  Governor  issued  a  call  for  volunteers.  The 
response  was  prompt,  and  five  hundred  men  were 
speedily  equipped  and  put  into  the  field.  They  were 
placed  under  charge  of  Colonel  T.  T.  Fauntleroy,  of  the 
First  Regiment  of  United  States  Dragoons.  He  engaged 
Kit  Carson  as  his  chief  guide. 

The  campaign  was  pushed  with  all  possible  vigor,  but 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  24$ 

for  a  time  nothing  important  was  done.  The  weather 
became  intensely  cold.  On  the  second  campaign,  Colonel 
Fauntleroy  surprised  the  main  camp  of  the  enemy  and 
inflicted  great  slaughter.  A  severe  blow  was  administered, 
but  the  reader  knows  that  the  peace  which  followed 
proved  only  temporary.  The  Apaches  have  been  a  thorn 
in  our  side  for  many  years.  General  Crook  has  shown 
great  tact,  bravery  and  rare  skill  in  his  dealings  with 
them  and  probably  has  brought  about  the  most  genuine 
peace  that  has  been  known  for  a  generation. 

It  would  not  be  worth  while  to  follow  Kit  Carson  on 
his  round  of  duties  as  Indian  Agent.  He  had  to  deal  with 
the  most  turbulent  tribes  on  the  continent,  and  enough  has 
been  told  to  prove  his  peerless  sagacity  in  solving  the 
most  difficult  questions  brought  before  him.  He  rode 
thousands  of  miles,  visiting  remote  points,  conferred  with 
the  leading  hostiles,  risked  his  life  times  without  number, 
and  was  often  absent  from  home  for  weeks  and  months. 
While  it  was  beyond  the  attainment  of  human  endeavor 
for  him  to  make  an  end  of  wars  on  the  frontiers,  yet  he 
averted  many  and  did  a  degree  of  good  which  is  beyond 
all  calculation. 

"  I  was  in  the  insignificant  settlement  of  Denver,  in  the 
autumn  of  1860,"  said  A.  L.  Worthington,  "when  a  party 
of  Arapahoes,  Cheyennes  and  Comanches  returned 
from  an  expedition  against  the  tribe  of  mountain  Indians 
know  as  the  Utes.  The  allied  forces  were  most  beautifully 
whipped  and  were  compelled  to  leave  the  mountains  in 


246  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

the  greatest  hurry  for  their  lives.  They  brought  into 
Denver  one  squaw  and  her  half  dozen  children  as 
prisoners.  The  little  barbarians,  when  the  other 
youngsters  came  too  near  or  molested  them,  would  fight 
like  young  wild  cats.  The  intention  of  the  captors,  as  I 
learned,  was  to  torture  the  squaw  and  her  children  to 
death.  Before  the  arrangements  were  completed,  Kit 
Carson  rode  to  the  spot  and  dismounted.  He  had  a  brief, 
earnest  talk  with  the  warriors.  He  did  not  mean  to 
permit  the  cruel  death  that  was  contemplated,  but  instead 
of  demanding  the  surrender  of  the  captives,  he  ransomed 
them  all,  paying  ten  dollars  a  piece-  After  they  were 
given  up,  he  made  sure  that  they  were  returned  to  their 
tribe  in  the  mountains." 

This  anecdote  may  serve  as  an  illustration  of  scores  of 
similar  duties  in  which  the  agent  was  engaged.  It  was 
during  the  same  year  that  Carson  received  an  injury 
which  was  the  cause  of  his  death.  He  was  descending  a 
mountain,  so  steep  that  he  led  his  horse  by  a  lariat, 
intending,  if  the  animal  fell,  to  let  go  of  it  in  time  to  pre- 
vent being  injured.  The  steed  did  fall  and  though 
Carson  threw  the  lariat  from  him,  he  was  caught  by  it, 
dragged  some  distance  and  severely  injured. 

When  the  late  Civil  War  broke  out  and  most  of  our  troops 
were  withdrawn  from  the  mountains  and  plains,  Carson 
applied  to  President  Lincoln  for  permission  to  raise  a 
regiment  of  volunteers  in  New  Mexico,  for  the  purpose 
of  protecting  our  settlements  there.  Permission  was 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  247 

given,  the  regiment  raised  and  the  famous  mountaineer 
did  good  service  with  his  soldiers.  On  one  occasion  he 
took  9,000  Navajo  prisoners  with  less  than  600  men. 

At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  was  ordered  to  Fort 
Garland,  where  he  assumed  command  of  a  large  region 
He  was  Brevet  Brigadier-General  and  retained  command 
of  a  battalion  of  New  Mexico  volunteers. 

Carson  did  not  suffer  immediately  from  his  injury,  but 
he  found  in  time  that  a  grave  internal  disturbance  had 
been  caused  by  his  fall.  In  the  spring  of  1868,  he 
accompained  a  party  of  Ute  Indians  to  Washington.  He 
was  then  failing  fast  and  consulted  a  number  of  leading 
physicians  and  surgeons.  His  disease  was  aneurism  of 
the  aorta  which  progressed  fast.  When  his  end  was 
nigh,  his  wife  suddenly  died,  leaving  seven  children,  the 
youngest  only  a  few  weeks  old.  His  affliction  had  a  very 
depressing  effect  on  Carson,  who  expired  May  23,  1868. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Letter  from  General  W.  T.  Sherman,  and  from  General  J.   F, 
Rusling. 

IN  closing  the  life  of  Kit  Carson,  it  will  be  appropriate 
to  add  two  letters,  which  were  furnished  at  our  request : 

912  GARRISON  AVENUE, 
ST.  Louis,  Mo.,  June  25,  1884. 

"  Kit  Carson  first  came  into  public  notice  by  Fremont's 
Reports  of  the  Exploration  of  the  Great  West  about 
1842-3.  You  will  find  mention  of  Kit  Carson  in  my 
memoirs,  vol.  I,  p.  46,  47,  as  bringing  to  us  the  first 
overland  mail  to  California  in  his  saddle-bags.  I  saw  but 
little  of  him  afterwards  till  after  the  Civil  War,  when,  in 
1866,  I  was  the  Lieutenant-General,  commanding  the 
Military  Division  of  the  Missouri,  with  headquarters  in  St. 
Louis,  and  made  a  tour  of  my  command,  including  what 
are  now  Wyoming,  Colorado  and  New  Mexico.  Reach- 
ing Fort  Garland,  New  Mexico,  in  September  or  October, 
1 865,  I  found  it  garrisoned  by  some  companies  of  New 
Mexico  Volunteers,  of  which  Carson  was  Colonel  or 
commanding  officer.  I  stayed  with  him  some  days,  during 
which  we  had  a  sort  of  council  with  the  Ute  Indians,  of 
which  the  chief  Ouray  was  the  principal  feature,  and  over 
^vhom  Carson  exercised  a  powerful  influence. 
248 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  249 

"  Carson  then  had  his  family  with  him — wife  and  half  a 
dozen  children,  boys  and  girls  as  wild  and  untrained  as  a 
brood  of  Mexican  mustangs.  One  day  these  children  ran 
through  the  room  in  which  we  were  seated,  half  clad  and 
boisterous,  and  I  inquired,  <  Kit,  what  are  you  doing 
about  your  children? ' 

"  He  replied :  '  That  is  a  source  of  great  anxiety ;  I  myself 
had  no  education,'  (he  could  not  even  write,  his  wife 
always  signing  his  name  to  his  official  reports).  '  I  value 
education  as  much  as  any  man,  but  I  have  never  had  the 
advantage  of  schools,  and  now  that  I  am  getting  old  and 
infirm,  I  fear  I  have  not  done  right  by  my  children." 

"  I  explained  to  him  that  the  Catholic  College,  at  South 
Bend,  Indiana,  had,  for  some  reason,  given  me  a  scholar- 
ship for  twenty  years,  and  that  I  would  divide  with  him — 
that  is  let  him  send  two  of  his  boys  for  five  years  each. 
He  seemed  very  grateful  and  said  he  would  think  of  it. 

4<  My  recollection  is  that  his  regiment  was  mustered  out 
of  service  that  winter,  1866-7,  and  that  the  following 
summer,  1867,  he  (Carson)  went  to  Washington  on  some 
business  for  the  Utes,  and  on  his  return  toward  New 
Mexico,  he  stopped  at  Fort  Lyon,  on  the  upper  Arkansas, 
where  he  died.  His  wife  died  soon  after  at  Taos,  New 
Mexico,  and  the  children  fell  to  the  care  of  a  brother-in- 
law,  Mr.  Boggs,  who  had  a  large  ranche  on  the  Purgation 
near  Fort  Lyon.  It  was  reported  of  Carson,  when  notified 
that  death  was  impending  that  he  said,  'Send  William, 
(his  eldest  son)  to  General  Sherman  who  has  promised  to 


250  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

educate  him/  Accordingly,  some  time  about  the  spring 
of  1868,  there  came  to  my  house,  in  St.  Louis,  a  stout 
boy  with  a  revolver,  Life  of  Kit  Carson  by  Dr.  Peters, 
(United  States  Army,  about  $40  in  money,  and  a  letter) 
trom  Boggs,  saying  that  in  compliance  with  the  request 
of  Kit  Carson,  on  his  death  bed,  he  had  sent  William 
Carson  to  me.  Allowing  him  a  few  days  of  vacation  with 
my  own  children,  I  sent  him  to  the  college  at  South  Bend, 
Ind.,  with  a  letter  of  explanation,  and  making  myself 
responsible  for  his  expenses.  He  was  regularly  entered 
in  one  of  the  classes,  and  reported  to  me  regularly.  I 
found  the  "  Scholarship"  amounted  to  what  is  known  as 
"  tuition,"  but  for  three  years  I  paid  all  his-  expenses  of 
board,  clothing,  books,  &c.,  amounting  to  about  $300  a 
year.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  the  Priest  reported  to  me 
that  Carson  was  a  good-natured  boy,  willing  enough,  but 
that  he  had  no  taste  or  appetite  for  learning.  His  letters 
to  me  confirmed  this  conclusion,  as  he  could  not  possibly 
spell.  After  reflection,  I  concluded  to  send  him  to  Fort 
Leavenworth,  Kansas,  to  the  care  of  General  Langdon 
C.  Easton,  United  States  Quartermaster,  with  instructions 
to  employ  him  in  some  capacity  in  which  he  could  earn 
his  board  and  clothing,  and  to  get  some  officer  of  the 
garrison  to  teach  him  just  what  was  necessary  for  a 
Lieutenant  of  Cavalry.  Lieutenant  Beard,  adjutant  of 
the  Fifth  Infantry  did  this.  He  (William  Carson)  was 
employed,  as  a  "  Messenger,"  and,  as  he  approached  his 
twenty-first  year,  under  the  tuition  of  Lieutenant  Beard, 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

he  made  good  progress.  Meantime  I  was  promoted  to 
General-in-Chief  at  Washington,  and  about  1870,  when 
Carson  had  become  twenty-one  years  of  age,  I  applied 
in  person  to  the  President,  General  Grant,  to  give  the  son 
of  Kit  Carson,  the  appointment  of  Second  Lieutenant, 
Ninth  United  States  Cavalry,  telling  him  somewhat  of  the 
foregoing  details.  General  Grant  promptly  ordered  the 
appointment  to  issue,  subject  to  the  examination  as  to 
educational  qualifications,  required  by  the  law.  The 
usual  board  of  officers  was  appointed  at  Fort  Leaven- 
worth  and  Carson  was  ordered  before  it.  After  careful 
examination,  the  board  found  him  deficient,  in  reading 
writing  and  arithmetic.  Of  course  he  could  not  be  com- 
missioned. I  had  given  him  four  years  of  my  guardian- 
ship, about  $1,000  of  my  own  money,  and  the  benefit  of 
my  influence,  all  in  vain.  By  nature,  he  was  not  adapted 
to  "modern  uses."  I  accordingly  wrote  him  that  I  had 
exhausted  my  ability  to  provide  for  him,  and  advised  him 
to  return  to  his  uncle  Boggs  on  the  Purgation  to  assist 
him  in  his  cattle  and  sheep  ranche. 

"  I  heard  from  him  by  letter  once  or  twice  afterward,  in 
one  of  which  he  asked  me  to  procure  for  him  the  agency 
for  the  Utes.  On  inquiry  at  the  proper  office  in  Wash- 
ington, I  found  that  another  person  had  secured  the  place 
of  which  I  notified  him.  and  though  of  late  years  I  have 
often  been  on  the  Purgation,  and  in  the  Ute  country,  1 
could  learn  nothing  of  the  other  children  of  Kit  Carson, 


252  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

or  of  William,  who  for  four  years  was  a  sort  of  ward  to 
me. 

"Since  the  building  of  railroads  in  that  region,  the 
whole  character  of  its  population  is  changed,  and  were 
Kit  Carson  to  arise  from  his  grave,  he  could  not  find  a 
buffalo,  elk  or  deer,  where  he  used  to  see  millions.  He 
could  not  even  recognize  the  country  with  which  he  used 
to  be  so  familiar,  or  find  his  own  children,  whom  he 
loved,  and  for  whose4 welfare,  he  felt  so  solicitious  in  his 
later  days. 

"  Kit  Carson  was  a  good  type  of  a  class  of  men  most 
useful  in  their  day,  but  now  as  antiquated  as  Jason  of  the 
Golden  Fleece,  Ulysses  of  Troy,  the  Chevalier  La  Salle 
of  the  Lakes,  Daniel  Boone  of  Kentucky,  Irvin  Bridger 
and  Jim  Beckwith  of  the  Rockies,  all  belonging  to  the 
dead  past.  Yours  Truly, 

W.  T.  SHERMAN." 

"TRENTON,  N.  J.,  June  23,  1884. 

"  In  accordance  with  your  request  to  give  my  recol- 
lections of  Kit  Carson,  I  would  say,  that  I  met  and  spent 
several  days  with  him  in  September,  1866,  at  and  near 
Fort  Garland,  Colorado,  on  the  head-waters  of  the  Rio 
Grande.  I  was  then  Brevet  Brigadier- General  and 
Inspector  United  States  Volunteers,  on  a  tour  of  inspec- 
tion of  the  military  depots  and  posts  in  that  region  and 
across  to  the  Pacific.  General  Sherman  happened  there 
at  the  same  time,  on  like  duty  as  to  his  Military  Divis- 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  253 

ion,  and  our  joint  talks,  as  a  rule,  extended  far  into  the 
night  and  over  many  subjects.  « Kit '  was  then  Brevet 
Brigadier. General  United. States  Volunteers,  and  in  com- 
mand of  Fort  Garland,  and  a  wide  region  thereabouts — 
mostly  Indian — which  he  knew  thoroughly.  Fort  Gar- 
land was  a  typical  frontier  post,  composed  of  log  huts 
chinked  with  mud,  rough  but  comfortable,  and  in  one  of 
these  Kit  then  lived  with  his  Mexican  wife  and  several 
half-breed  children.  BSnrroff  TlfirSr? 

He  was  then  a  man  apparently  about  fifty  years  of  age. 
From  what  I  had  read  about  him,  I  had  expected  to  see 
a  small,  wiry  man,  weather-beaten  and  reticent;  but  found 
him  to  be  a  medium-sized,  rather  stoutish,  and  quite  talk- 
ative? person  instead.  His  hair  was  already  well-silvered, 
but  his  face  full  and  florid.  You  would  scarcely  regard 
him,  at  first  sight,  as  a  very  noticeable  man,  except  as  hav- 
ing a  well-knit  frame  and  full,  deep  chest.  But  on  observ- 
ing him  more  closely,  you  were  struck  with  the  breadth 
and  openness  of  his  brow,  bespeaking  more  than  ordinary 
intelligence  and  courage ;  with  his  quick,  blue  eye,  that 
caught  everything  at  a  glance  apparently — an  eye  beam- 
ing with  kindliness  and  benevolence,  but  that  could  blaze 
with  anger  when  aroused ;  and  with  his  full,  square  jaw 
and  chin,  that  evidently  could  shut  as  tight  as  Sherman's 
or  Grant's  when  necessary.  With  nothing  of  the  swash- 
buckler or  Buffalo  Bill — of  the  border-ruffian  or  the  cow- 
boy— about  him,  his  manners  were  as  gentle,  and  his  voice 
as  soft  and  sympathetic,  as  a  woman's.  What  impressed 


254  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

one  most  about  his  face  was  its  rare  kindliness  and  charity 
— that  here,  at  last,  was  a  natural  gentleman,  simple  as  a 
child  but  brave  as  a  lion.  He  soon  took  our  hearts  by 
storm,  and  the  more  we  saw  of  him  the  more  we  became 
impressed  with  his  true  manliness  and  worth.  Like  every- 
body else  on  the  border,  he  smoked  freely,  and  at  one 
time  drank  considerably ;  but  he  had  quit  drinking  years 
before,  and  said  he  owed  his  excellent  health  and  pre- 
eminence, if  he  had  any,  to  his  habits  of  almost  total  absti- 
nence. In  conversation  he  was  slow  and  hesitating  at  first, 
approaching  almost  to  bashfulness,  often  seemingly  at  a 
loss  for  words ;  but,  as  he  warmed  up,  this  disappeared, 
and  you  soon  found  him  talking  glibly,  and  with  his 
hands  and  fingers  as  well — rapidly  gesticulating — Indian 
fashion.  He  was  very  conscientious,  and  in  all  our  talks 
would  frequently  say :  '  Now,  stop  gentlemen  !  Is  this 
right?'  'Ought  we  to  do  this?'  '  Can  we  do  that?' 
'  Is  this  like  human  nature  ?  '  or  words  to  this  effect,  as 
if  it  was  the  habit  of  his  mind  to  test  everything  by  the 
moral  law.  I  think  that  was  the  predominating  feature  of 
his  character — his  perfect  honesty  and  truthfulness — quite 
as  much  as  his  matchless  coolness  and  courage.  Said 
Sherman  to  me  one  day  while  there :  '  His  integrity  is 
simply  perfect.  The  red  skins  know  it,  and  would  trust 
Kit  any  day  before  they  would  us,  or  the  President, 
either ! '  And  Kit  well  returned  their  confidence,  by 
being  their  steadfast,  unswerving  friend  and  ready  cham- 
pion. 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  255 

"  He  talked  freely  of  his  past  life,  unconscious  of  its  ex 
tiaordmary  character.  Born  in  Kentucky,  he  said,  he  early 
took  to  the  plains  and  mountains,  and  joined  the  hunters 
and  trappers,  when  he  was  so  young  he  could  not  set  a 
trap.  When  he  became  older,  he  turned  trapper  himself, 
and  trapped  all  over  our  territories  for  beaver,  otter,  etc., 
from  the  Missouri  to  the  Pacific,  and  from  British  America 
to  Mexico.  Next  he  passed  into  Government  employ,  as 
an  Indian  scout  and  guide,  and  as  such  piloted  Fremont 
and  others  all  over  the  Plains  and  through  the  Rocky 
and  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains.  Fremont,  in  his  reports 
surrounded  Kit's  name  with  a  romantic  valor,  but  he 
seems  to  have  deserved  it  all,  and  more.  His  good  sense, 
his  large  experience,  and  unfaltering  courage,  were 
invaluable  to  Fremont,  and  it  is  said  about  the  only  time 
the  Pathfinder  went  seriously  astray  among  the  Mountains 
was  when  he  disregarded  his  (Kit's)  advice,  and 
endeavored  to  force  a  passage  through  the  Rockies  north- 
west of  Fort  Garland.  Kit  told  him  the  mountains  could 
not  be  crossed  at  that  time  of  the  year;  and,  when 
Fremont  nevertheless  insisted  on  proceeding,  he  resigned 
as  guide.  The  Pathfinder,  however,  went  stubbornly  for- 
ward, but  got  caught  in  terrible  snow-storms,  and  presi 
ently  returned — half  of  his  men  and  animals  having  per- 
ished outright  from  cold  and  hunger.  Next  Kit  became 
United  States  Indian  Agent,  and  made  one  of  the  best 
we  ever  had.  Familiar  with  the  language  and  customs  of 
the  Indians,  he  frequently  spent  months  together  among 


256  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

them  without  seeing  a  white  man,  arid  indeed  became  a 
sort  of  half-Indian  himself.  In  talking  with  us,  I  noticed 
he  frequently  hesitated  for  the  right  English  word ;  but 
when  speaking  bastard  Spanish  (Mexican)  or  Indian,  with 
the  Ute  Indians  there,  he  was  as  fluent  as  a  native.  Both 
Mexican  and  Indian,  however,  are  largely  pantomime, 
abounding  in  perpetual  grimace  and  gesture,  which  may 
have  helped  him  along  somewhat.  Next,  when  the 
rebellion  broke  out,  he  became  a  Union  soldier,  though 
the  border  was  largely  Confederate.  He  tendered  his 
services  to  Mr.  Lincoln,  who  at  once  commissoned  him 
Colonel,  and  told  him  to  take  care  of  the  frontier,  as  the 
regulars  there  had  to  come  East  to  fight  Jeff  Davis. 
Kit  straightway  proceeded  to  raise  the  First  Regiment  of 
New  Mexico  Volunteers,  in  which  he  had  little  difficulty, 
as  the  New  Mexican's  knew  him  well,  and  had  the 
utmost  confidence  in  him.  With  these,  during  the  war, 
he  was  busy  fighting  hostile  Indians,  and  keeping  others 
friendly,  and  in  his  famous  campaign  against  the  Navajos, 
in  New  Mexico,  with  only  six  hundred  frontier  volunteers 
captured  some  nine  thousand  prisoners.  The  Indians 
withdrew  into  a  wild  canyon,  where  no  white  man,  it  was 
said,  had  ever  penetrated,  and  believed  to  be  impregnable 
But  Kit  pursued  them  from  either  end,  and  attacked  them 
with  pure  Indian  strategy  and  tactics ;  and  the  Navajos 
finding  themselves  thus  surrounded,  and  their  supplies 
cut  off,  outwitted  by  a  keener  fighter  than  themselves, 
surrendered  at  discretion.  Then  he  did  not  slaughter 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  25; 

them,  but  marched  them  to  a  goodly  reservation,  and  put 
them  to  work  herding  and  planting,  and  they  had  con- 
tinued peaceable  ever  since. 

Kit  seemed  thoroughly  familiar  with  Indian  life  and 
character,  and  it  must  be  conceded,  that  no  American  of 
his  time  knew  our  aborigines  better — if  any  so  well.  It 
must  be  set  down  to  their  credit,  that  he  was  their  stout 
friend — no  Boston  philanthropist  more  so.  He  did  not 
hesitate  to  say,  that  all  our  Indian  troubles  were  caused 
originally  by  bad  white  men,  if  the  truth  were  known,  and 
was  terribly  severe  on  the  brutalities  and  barbarities  of 
the  border.  He  said  the  Indians  were  very  different 
from  what  they  used  to  be,  and  were  yearly  becoming 
more  so  from  contact  with  border-ruffians  and  cow-boys. 
He  said  he  had  lived  for  years  among  them  with  only 
occasional  visits  to  the  settlements,  and  he  had  never 
known  an  Indian  to  injure  a  Pale  Face,  where  he  did  not 
deserve  it ;  on  the  other  hand,  he  had  seen  an  Indian  kill 
his  brother  even  for  insulting  a  white  man  in  the  old 
times.  He  insisted  that  Indians  never  commit  outrages 
unless  they  are  first  provoked  to  them  by  the  borderers, 
and  that  many  of  the  peculiar  and  special  atrocities  with 
which  they  are  charged  are  only  their  imitation  of  the  bad 
acts  of  wicked  white  men.  He  pleaded  for  the  Indians, 
as  "  pore  ignorant  critters,  who  had  no  learnin',  and  did'nt 
know  no  better,''  whom  we  were  daily  robbing  of 
their  hunting  grounds  and  homes,  and  solemnly  asked : 
"What  der  yer  'spose  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  made 

17 


258  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

both  them  and  us,  thinks  of  these  things?"  He  was 
particularly  severe  upon  Col.  Chivington  and  the  Sand 
Creek  massacre  of  1864,  which  was  still  fresh  in  the  pub- 
lic mind,  said  he;  "jist  to  think  of  that  dog  Chivington, 
and  his  dirty  hounds,  up  thar  at  Sand  Creek  !  Whoever 
heerd  of  sich  doings  'mong  Christians!" 

"  The  pore  Indians  had  the  Stars  and  Stripes  flying  over 
them,  our  old  flag  thar,  and  they'd  bin  told  down  to 
Denver,  that  so  long  as  they  kept  that  flying  they'd  be 
safe  enough.  Well,  then,  one  day  along  comes  that 
durned  Chivington  and  his  cusses.  They'd  bin  out  several 
day's  huntin  Hostiles,  and  couldn't  find  none  nowhar,  and 
if  they  had,  they'd  have  skedaddled  from  'em,  you  bet ! 
So  they  jist  lit  upon  these  Friendlies,  and  massacreed 
'em — yes,  sir,  literally  massacreed  'em — in  cold  blood,  in 
spite  of  our  flag  thar — yes,  women  and  little  children, 
even  !  Why,  Senator  Foster  told  me  with  his  own  lips 
(and  him  and  his  Committee  come  out  yer  from  Wash- 
ington, you  know,  and  investigated  this  muss),  that  that 
thar  durned  miscreant  and  his  men  shot  down  squaws, 
and  blew  the  brains  out  of  little  innocent  children — 
pistoled  little  papooses  in  the  arms  of  their  dead  mothers, 
and  even  worse  than  this ! — them  durned  devils  !  and  you 
call  sich  soldiers  Christians,  do  ye?  and  pore  Indians 
savages  ! " 

"  I  tell  you  what,  friends ;  I  don't  like  a  hostile  Red  Skin 
any  more  than  you  do.  And  when  they  are  hostile,  I've 
fit  'em — fout  'em — and  expect  to  fight  'em — hard  as  any 


LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON.  259 

man.  That's  my  business.  But  I  never  yit  drew  a  bead 
on  a  squaw  or  papoose,  and  I  despise  the  man  who 
would.  'Taint  nateral  for  men  to  kill  women  and  pore 
little  children,  and  none  but  a  coward  or  a  dog  would  do 
it.  Of  course  when  we  white  men  do  sich  awful  things, 
why  these  pore  ignorant  critters  don't  know  no  better 
than  to  foller  suit.  Pore  things  !  Pore  things  !  I've 
seen  as  much  of  'em  as  any  man  liv'in,  and  I  can't  help 
but  pity  'em,  right  or  wrong !  They  once  owned  all  this 
country  yes,  Plains  and  Mountains,  buffalo  and  every- 
thing, but  now  they  own  next  door  to  nuthin,  and  will 
soon  be  gone." 

Alas,  poor  Kit !  He  has  already '  gone '  to  the '  Happy 
Hunting  Grounds.'  But  the  Indians  had  no  truer  friend, 
and  Kit  Carson  would  wish  no  prouder  epitaph  than  this. 
In  talking  thus  he  would  frequently  get  his  grammar 
wrong,  and  his  language  was  only  the  patois  of  the  Bor- 
der ;  but  there  was  an  eloquence  in  his  eye,  and  a  pathos 
in  his  voice,  that  would  have  touched  a  heart  of  stone, 
and  a  genuine  manliness  about  him  at  all  times,  that 
would  have  won  him  hosts  of  friends  anywhere.  And 
so,  Kit  Carson,  good  friend,  brave  heart,  generous  soul, 
hail  and  farewell ! 

Hoping  these  rough  recollections  may  serve  your  pur- 
pose, I  remain 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  F.  RUSLINQ. 


260  LIFE  OF  KIT  CARSON. 

The  following  tribute  to  the  matchless  scout,  hunter 
and  guide  is  from  The  Salt  Lake  Tribune : 

He  wrote  his  own  biography  and  left  it  where  the  edi- 
tion will  never  grow  dim.  The  alphabet  he  used  was 
made  of  the  rivers,  the  plains,  the  forests,  and  the  eternal 
heights.  He  started  in  his  youth  with  his  face  to  the 
West ;  started  toward  where  no  trails  had  been  blazed, 
where  there  was  naught  to  meet  him  but  the  wilderness, 
the  wild  beast,  and  the  still  more  savage  man.  He  made 
his  lonely  camps  by  the  rivers,  and  now  it  is  a  fiction  with 
those  who  sleep  on  the  same  grounds  that  the  waters  in 
their  flow  murmur  the  great  path-finder's  name.  He  fol- 
lowed the  water-courses  to  their  sources,  and  guided  by 
them,  learned  where  the  mountains  bent  their  crests  to 
make  possible  highways  for  the  feet  of  men.  He  climbed 
the  mountains  and  "  disputed  with  the  eagles  of  the 
crags"  for  points  of  observation;  he  met  the  wild  beast 
and  subdued  him ;  he  met  the  savage  of  the  plains  and 
of  the  hills,  and,  in  his  own  person,  gave  him  notice  of 
his  sovereignty  in  skill,  in  cunning  and  in  courage.  To 
the  red  man  he  was  the  voice  of  fate.  In  him  they  saw 
a  materialized  foreboding  of  their  destiny.  To  them  he 
was  a  voice  crying  the  coming  of  a  race  against  which 
they  could  not  prevail;  before  which  they  were  to  be 
swept  away. 


